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

By: Shelby Foote

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 42 hrs and 58 mins

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

Good Civil War Drama

This series by Foote is an excellent dramatization of historical facts and data presented through the eyes of those involved with the various battles and conflicts of the worst war in US history.

Detailed and interesting

It is hard to imagine how such a long listen can still be interesting but it is. I have all 3 volumes and I am amazed at how the level of detail coupled with the excellent reading has maintained my interest. One suggestion for the listener, the author presents the events of both sides of the conflict, so it would help to know who the major characters are and what side they are fighting for before listening.

An in depth history of the start of the war.

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

This is first audiobook I listened to in over 10 years & the first history book ever. Though I read the book in 1970's, I believe I will retain more of the narrative from having listened to the reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Civil War?

Its impossible to pick a most memorable moment from a war narrative that in printt is over 800 pages.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Grover Gardner?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I don't know if it was missed during production or just a fluke in my version, but every once in a while the authors voice would change dramatically for a few seconds. It was annoying.

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One of the greatest literary achievements of the 20th century. I first read this exhaustive masterpiece years ago in my twenties. It is just as good the second time.

Very Entertaining and Informative

Takes a bit of time to absorb the detail but I feel more informed on this part of our history. Highly recommend.

A fairly even account

Would you listen to The Civil War again? Why?

Maybe, but not too keen. I may listen to it as a lullaby.

What did you like best about this story?

The detailed narrative of battle scene and strategy.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Grover Gardner?

Yes, I have quite a few books narrated by him.

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

Not really

Any additional comments?

First of a three volume magnum opus, this book gives a fairly even handed account of the war from the perspective of both side, the first volume covers the first two years of the American civil war, the author seemed to have bought the Southern argument that the war was about State right, and not slavery, which I disagree. But otherwise, an exciting volume to read.

Shelby Foote, word master and passionate historian

Loved the series on PBS - EVEN better Shelby F'oote's words! Thanks Audible! So glad I purchased.

WOW - well worth it!

EXCELLENT EXCELENT EXCELENT!!! This 3 book series is wonderful; I listened to this 2 times and will listen again. Great job, Great story. Well worth the time to listen. So many events to remember - Highly recommended! Wonderful narrator!

A work for the ages

What made the experience of listening to The Civil War the most enjoyable?

Reviewing Shelby Foote's narrative is almost as complicated as the material it proposes to explain. Brining the Civil War to the average reader (listener) is difficult in itself; it is grim history, and that is the only thing everyone agrees on. Limited to facts, it's dry and short, because every piece of information comes from the writing of those intimately involved in a radical clash of viewpoints, so facts come in the form of dates, names, and sometimes, numbers. Foote endeavored, therefore, to put a narrative forward, not a history, and as such, this is a masterwork. But even Foote had his point of view, as a Mississippian in the late 1950's to early 1960's, and so it is good to know as much history as there is before diving into the nearly six full days of solid narration. Foote's bias is, not surprisingly, toward the south, and is very subtle, so if you know the history as well as the average student, you will find yourself filling in the blanks without thought. Blanks are the primary vehicle of bias for Foote, along with some understatement, a little overstatement, and conclusions that are not wrong, but not provable either. The bias also tends to highlight the deeds of armies, which are not the main focus of the narrative, which makes itself indispensable by tying the economy, politics, interpersonal military relationships, even the weather, into a story that the reader will not put down after the first chapter of dusty names and numbers. In this way it has not only become shorthand for historians, but appeals to academicians and casual readers alike. As I said, it is complicated, but less that 5 stars of 5 is not a credible score.

The performance is almost flawless. This may sound like hyperbole, but I've listened to it backward and forward, and it doesn't get old; Gardner's reading is both businesslike and interesting, and aside for a problem pronouncing Spanish town names in New Mexico, hits names, dates, intonation, inflection, structure and cadence despite the quaint turn of phrase from the 1860's, the complicated sentences that Foote enjoyed, and the rapid change from dry humor to dark descriptions that litter the text. It is completely enjoyable.

The weakness of this package is the overall quality. I was disappointed to find that the recording is noticeably uneven, making editing breaks so obvious as to be distracting at times. Even so, the Gardner and Foote make this, warts notwithstanding, something that anyone interested in our country's first major course correction.

Deeply Engaging

Throughout the reading I was drawn into long hours of listening. Transfixed by the brutality of war and the larger than life heroes that emerged. Excellent book!