Using the unique approach that he has employed in his previous books; author; columnist; and television commentator James Burke shows us our connections to the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Over the two hundred-plus years that separate us; these connections are often surprising and always fascinating. Burke turns the signers from historical icons into flesh-and-blood people: Some were shady financial manipulators; most were masterful political operators; a few were good human beings; and some were great men. The network that links them to us is also peopled by all sorts; from spies and assassins to lovers and adulterers; inventors and artists. The ties may be more direct for some of us than others; but we are all linked in some way to these founders of our nation. If you enjoyed Martin Sheen as the president on television's The West Wing; then you're connected to founder Josiah Bartlett. The connection from signer Bartlett to Sheen includes John Paul Jones; Judge William Cooper; father of James Fenimore; Sir Thomas Brisbane; governor of New South Wales; an incestuous astronomer; an itinerant math teacher; early inventors of television; and pioneering TV personality Bishop Fulton J. Sheen; the inspiration for Ramon Estevez's screen name; Martin Sheen.
#6185 in Books HOLT MCDOUGAL 2006-06-27 2006-06-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.00 x 6.12l; 1.32 #File Name: 0743226720386 pagesGreat product!
Review
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful. A more-than-compelling history lessonBy sean_royAs a proud American who; I'm ashamed to admit; knew next to nothing about the details of the Revolutionary War; McCullough's "1776" was a much-needed history lesson for me. Written lucidly and grippingly throughout; "1776" provides a strong foundation for one's study of this most critical period of our nation's history; and has inspired me to continue my own studies by reading as much as I can about the revolution and its meaning; both then and now. One also comes away with a sense of awe toward General (and later President) George Washington. The extensive bibliography that McCullough has provided is more than enough for a lifetime of study.I think that those Americans who read this book will; like me; feel more strongly patriotic and value more greatly the selflessness of those who fought for our country in its infancy. And I think that non-Americans who read it will better understand what it means to be an American; and hopefully see our country in a more favorable light. Yes; I realize that America has its problems; both currently and historically; and that we're certainly not beloved by everyone throughout the world; but it's nonetheless moving to at least try and perceive what we mean when we talk about the "American spirit": that feeling of unbounded liberty that allows us to truly pursue happiness. "1776" offers a path.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Definitely put this one on your list to read!!By C DavisHighly recommend!! 1776. Remembered every July 4th as the year of our nation becoming a nation; but not quite. We still had a long way to go before we were successful in our fight; and in 1776 a fledgling army that had no experience at being an army; and a dedicated leader who also had to learn as he went; had a hard time of it. During 1776 it sometimes seemed that all was lost; but Washington never gave up; and those under him would also demonstrate their newly found talents and skill in making decisions that the fate of our new nation rested upon. And the army under them; wow. They weren't all saints; just men of all different caliber; but what those dedicated to following orders for the sake of independence did; and suffered; is astounding to read. We think of certain special units in today's military and the harsh training involved for those units; but what that new; inexperienced army of long ago had to suffer through.... We've all heard it before; but to get the fine details is so interesting and compelling. A great book. Thank you David McCullough.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A through look at the beginning of the American revolutionBy CustomerWhat can I say about David McCullough that would add anything? This is an excellent book that moves along focusing on the most dramatic and decisive year of the revolution. Reading this nicely paced and colorful account of the first year of the conflict gives the reader a solid impression of the events as well as the context and dynamics of the world stage and the overall historical circumstance during the era. Like many Americans I realize how inadequate my education about the American revolution has been. I feel I've gone some way toward correcting that deficit with this book. Well worth the investment. .
