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

Worth every second

It’s better than what you would hope for in a description of the personalities of the civil war

A great book for Civil War buffs

I really enjoyed this book, masterful presentation of the first two years of the war. Shelby Foote is a respected historian and equally good writer

A must read history

Superbly written and magnificently read. Flows like a work of art. I only wish I had the battlefield diagrams to accompany the listen.

Wow

I don’t know why I’ve put this off. At this point, the best Civil War book I’ve listened to. A must for interested in this part of US history

Outstanding story, couldn't stop listening

This book is a very detailed account of the civil war from the eyes and ears of those who were there. In historical books I rarely feel so in touch with the characters. The author portrays the people of the civil war not as gods or morons, but as humans beings. I relate to these people more than I have been able to relate to any historical figures. I not only can't stop listening to what amounts to a fantastic story, but I am also very much more interested in the civil war. I want to visit local civil war museums and parks. I enjoyed this one so much I went ahead and bought volumes 2 and 3 just before finishing the first one.

In short, bravo.

Awsome

The best (and most entertaining) Civil War histories ever written. I would go as far as to say the 3 volumes are the best and most entertaining historical narrative ever written!

Fantastic

This 3-volume set is really fantastic. Foote recounts a huge number of facts about the civil war, providing important context (e.g., the political ramifications of events), and manages to keep it interesting throughout. This is a very long haul, and there were many times when I wished that Foote was less good at his craft so that I could put this series down and move on, but I wanted to know what happened. I highly recommend this series.

A fantastic Story Telling of a Truly Horrific Time

The civil war was truly a defining moment in American history ! Shelby Foote was a man who through his pen brought us face to face with the titanic figures of this war. He brings us into the personal lives of so many "yankees" and "rebs" common foot soldiers, officers, Generals, civilans, and the common folk; I found it both terrifing and unbelievable as letters are read, relationships long since gone into history once again alive and breathing life into my ears.

I laughed heartily and I cried deeply for the people of this historical event called the Civil War. I love Shelby's way of writing and his gentle, warm southern charm; this comes seeps through the book everywhere. The late Mr. Foote was brutally honest to both sides and maintain a fair and very well balanced view of the civil war.

I cannot do this book justice in writing this review by my words - this book - The Civil War by Shelby Foote is something that you Audible listener MUST experience for yourself !! As you listen time fades away as you stand transfixed on the events unfolding right there before your eyes and ears.

Every single person must listen to this book as it touchs on every single issue that you will every encounter in your life. Download this book now YOUR experience is waiting !! :)

LIKE SYNAPTIC SEX

T his trilogy is so remarkable that I just cant do justice to it regardless of what I write. Ive listened to the whole thing at least 3 times over and I will surly listen many more times before my times up. My only complaint is that it has ruined all subsequent readings of books on the civil war, Lincoln or pretty much anything else within this books sphere. Nothing even comes close to footes writings on the civil war and its time period. Its an overwhelming masterpiece

Wonderful Experience

I love Shelby Foote! From the PBS series on the Civil War, I came to know him. The audio, which I listen to while looking at the maps and illustrations in the paperback version of his three volume set, is wonderful. He describes the events with precision and the characters are described in such a manner that you come to actually "know them" and visualize them. My only suggestion....and it does not deminish the five star rating I give, is the quality of the recording...I am sometimes irritated at what appears to be some faint background noise of someone else talking... and I wish that Shelby had actually recorded it...his voice is so distinctive and expressive.