• The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I, Fort Sumter to Perryville

  • By: Shelby Foote
  • Narrated by: Grover Gardner
  • Length: 42 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (5,039 ratings)

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The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I, Fort Sumter to Perryville  By  cover art

The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I, Fort Sumter to Perryville

By: Shelby Foote
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Publisher's summary

The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 1 begins one of the most remarkable works of history ever fashioned. All the great battles are here, of course, from Bull Run through Shiloh, the Seven Days Battles, and Antietam, but so are the smaller ones: Ball's Bluff, Fort Donelson, Pea Ridge, Island Ten, New Orleans, and Monitor versus Merrimac.

The word “narrative” is the key to this extraordinary book’s incandescence and its truth. The story is told entirely from the point of view of the people involved in it. One learns not only what was happening on all fronts but also how the author discovered it during his years of exhaustive research.

This first volume in Shelby Foote’s comprehensive history is a must-listen for anyone interested in one of the bloodiest wars in America’s history.

©1986 Shelby Foote (P)2011 Blackstone Audio

What listeners say about The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I, Fort Sumter to Perryville

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  • JT
  • 01-24-15

The best account of the Civil War!

The narrator was great but I wish he had a southern accent. The book is a classic for any history buff.

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One of the best audio books to which I have listened

This book is an amazing overview of the Civil War, providing both the political background and military history of that conflict. The narration is excellent. It is one of my favorites.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Magnificent journey through time

I loved every minute of each of the three volumes of Shelby Foote's masterpiece. It was a deeply facinating journey through those tumultous times and events. I felt this audiobook bought to life the great charachters and personalities that defined the Civil War. Grover Gardners reading of this was outstanding and suited perfectly to the subject.

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Outstanding

Where does The Civil War rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best.

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

Yes

Any additional comments?

These 3 series have served to explain a war, a rebellion and the true birth of our nation.

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wow, what a history

centuries from now historians will consider this the most complete work of military history of our times. a master at work.

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  • JP
  • 01-24-15

Simply outstanding

Worth every minute, with outstanding storytelling and personal narratives unlike any other Civil War history. I'm moving on to Vol II immediately!

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Excellent Listen

Expertly written as well as narrated! Well balanced between historical broad picture view and interesting anecdotes.

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Awesome

my second time listening to this was better than the first. good narration and pace. top of my list

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Outstanding!!

Thank you Shelby, I have learned so much from this single volume. I will continue the journey by reading the others. Rest In Peace my friend and teacher.

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Masterwork

It pains me to comprehend the amount of young Americans who will fail to read and appreciate this. Though obviously different, on par with the masterworks of “The Pillars of the Earth,” and “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.”

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