1776 by David McCullough is a non-fiction book that chronicles the pivotal first year of the American Revolutionary War, focusing on George Washington and his Continental Army as they faced overwhelming odds against the British. The book details the struggles, defeats, and eventual triumphs of the inexperienced American soldiers, highlighting their resilience and the near-disastrous state of the cause for independence, which was saved by events like the miraculous evacuation from Brooklyn. It's known for its narrative vitality, extensive research, and humanizing portrayal of the soldiers and commanders on both sides.