1861: The Civil War Awakening

By: Adam Goodheart

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 18 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

As the United States marks the 150th anniversary of our defining national drama, 1861 presents a gripping and original account of how the Civil War began.

1861 is an epic of courage and heroism beyond the battlefields. Early in that fateful year, a second American revolution unfolded, inspiring a new generation to reject their parents' faith in compromise and appeasement, to do the unthinkable in the name of an ideal. It set Abraham Lincoln on the path to greatness and millions of slaves on the road to freedom.

The book introduces us to a heretofore little-known cast of Civil War heroes - among them an acrobatic militia colonel, an explorer's wife, an idealistic band of German immigrants, a regiment of New York City firemen, a community of Virginia slaves, and a young college professor who would one day become president. Adam Goodheart takes us from the corridors of the White House to the slums of Manhattan, from the mouth of the Chesapeake to the deserts of Nevada, from Boston Common to Alcatraz Island, vividly evoking the Union at this moment of ultimate crisis and decision.

©2011 Adam Goodheart (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner, History, 2012

“With boundless verve, Adam Goodheart has sketched an uncommonly rich tableau of America on the cusp of the Civil War. The research is impeccable, the cast of little-known characters we are introduced to is thoroughly fascinating, the book is utterly thought-provoking, and the story is luminescent. What a triumph.” (Jay Winik, author of New York Times best-sellers April 1865 and The Great Upheaval)

"Engrossing .... Tension is palpable on every page .... Goodheart's book is an impressive accomplishment, a delightful read, and a valuable contribution that will entertain and challenge." ( Harvard Magazine)

"Exhilarating ... inspiring ... irresistible ... 1861 creates the uncanny illusion that the reader has stepped into a time machine." ( New York Times Book Review, cover review)

"In his marvelous book... Goodheart brings us into 19th-century America, as ambiguous, ambitious and fractured as the times we live in now, and he brings to pulsing life the hearts and minds of its American citizens." ( Huffington Post)

“Jonathan Davis's narration sets the scene with hints of foreboding, creating a feeling of tension about the impending war. He draws listeners into stories of people like recaptured slave Lucy Bagby and future president James Garfield….Goodheart's meticulous research and lively writing will appeal to any history buff.” ( AudioFile)

"Beautifully written and thoroughly original--quite unlike any other Civil War book out there." ( Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

Interesting & Specific

What did you love best about 1861: The Civil War Awakening?

I loved the way that the author takes a snapshot of 1861, giving you not only the history, but the mood and tone of this tumultuous year.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Well, I think most people know how 1861 ends... or begins.

What does Jonathan Davis bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

It is read very well, and dramatically.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, its way too long for one sitting. You would be worn out if you did.

Any additional comments?

For the serious historian, this is not really eye opening. But the very specific and unique stories told are interesting. I was most interested in the James Garfield piece. It made me want to read up on this guy. It seemed like an out of place story, but it was great anyway.

Compelling and fascinating wide-angle view

Would you consider the audio edition of 1861: The Civil War Awakening to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version of 1861. I found the audio version to be completely satisfactory. I do listen to all audio books at 1 1/2 time, however.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the sweeping narrative of events, political, military, social, and cultural that impacted how people regarded secession and the coming of war and the end of slavery. I thought it was very insightful and added greatly to my understanding of the era.

What does Jonathan Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think his 'voices' through the narrative helped to bring the stories to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was moved by many things, and I did find the story of Jessie B. Fremont sending violets to be laid on Thomas Starr King's funeral casket very sad and touching. Also, the story of the three slaves who first arrived at Fortress Monroe and the hundreds who came there and elsewhere seeking freedom was unforgettable.

Any additional comments?

1861 is an important addition to Civil War history. I think for historians and general readers interested in this period of American history it adds a lot of texture and context of the national mood across the country. Also, it brings so many other people into the story that we don't usually read about except in their individual biographies. How they interacted and the affect of their actions or writings on policy and opinion gave me new insights, including the story of Anderson and the Union troops who defended Fort Sumter against all odds. this book has inspired me to read more deeply about this period of American history.

I'll be instening to this one again.

This was only my second civil war specific book, but I'm pretty fascinated by 19th century American history, and this book is one of the best I've read in that category. It's written like a compilation of behind the scenes stories that give background on the complexities of American culture and politics during this pivotal time. Adam Goodheart's writing does an incredible job of capturing the humanity of the characters in his stories, and is a master of the art of nuance. I'll begrudgingly give a thumbs up to Jonathan Davis' narration job here. I generally find his cadence a bit annoying, and his tone too official, but I must admit that he did a good job on this one, even if he's not my cup if tea stylistically. But overall, this is an excellent choice, not just for civil war buffs, but for all American history lovers.

Fascinating dive into a year that changed history

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, as long as they were interested in history, like I am. I loved how it wove together political, social and economic history by telling stories of individuals and cities, not just at the national level. I learned so much I had never heard before.

What did you like best about this story?

I am fascinated by history, particularly when it is from a first-person perspective (why I love historical fiction), and this story covered so much in such personal ways, I was glued to the story from beginning to end.

What about Jonathan Davis’s performance did you like?

It was so fluid, so perfect for this kind of book - used pauses and inflections well, I never felt I was being lectured at or read a newspaper story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Average American life on the brink of history

Any additional comments?

So much history was in this book, though not exactly limited to 1861, but a few years before and a little after. I never realized how much happened in such a short period of time. Loved this and will be listening to it again.

Essential Reading

The historical research is exhaustive and impressive. The writing is incredible and compelling. The narration is spot on, bringing everything together....And I can't imagine a book more relevant to our times. If you want to know why Americans rage anf despise one another, these days, look to our history. At our core there are conflicts and contradictions, and when conflict reaches the boiling point and tensions explode, it's always centered on race....May we find a new way forward...

Insights into the culture leading to the Civil War

This really immerses you into the culture, especially that of the North, that led into the Civil War

1861 review

amazing, in-depth, and unique story of the State of the Union prior to and thru Ft Sumpter. Strictly Union perspective but was perfect, and fulfilling.

Outstanding

Great listen! Very throughly researched presentation of the people of the time and the issues they were dealing with.

Great history

This is a great overview of some of the lesser known stories of 1861. It is an eye-opening account of the political and cultural situation of the time. There were many head shaking moments when confronted with the ideas of the 1800s. Yet it highlights some of the current issues that we deal with in this country today.

Excellent!

At last an academic treatment of the historical context of the Civil War that is not a dry laundry list of dates and arcane details. Goodheart manages to bring historically accurate information together in such a way that the listener learns of the events of the day as if he or she were a well-informed and perhaps well-connected citizen of the period; someone who knows the backgrounds and personalities of the players involved and is privy to all the details of the events and their significance. This is everything a good history should be and is an invaluable resource for understanding this fascinating period of American history.