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

Masterful Achievement Of History and Literature

A magnificent artistic convergence of painstaking historical research and brilliant narrative storytelling. I don't think you can understand America if you don't read this series

A modern masterpiece of narrative

Shelby Foote has produced a massive work of true excellence. He seem to penetrate right into the soul of the main characters. He is very practical in looking into their most mundane activities, but then pauses to relate their deep inner feelings.
Grover Gardner is excellent, as usual, as narrator.

4 Years of War broken down

An excellent narrative detailing the precursors to war and the actions on both sides to achieve victory for their nation. This is the most comprehensive history I have read (listened to)

Worth every second

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

Excellent performance and story

What can I say—it is Shelby Foote writing about the civil war. The performance is very good placing the exact matter of fact emphasis you would expect if Foote had been narrating the story himself.

JR from KY

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

Detailed and creative account.

The history is a little iffy, but well written and very entertaining. Leans strongly to the South. Might listen to books and lectures by Gary Gallagher and Allen Guelzo for balance. Also excellent is Battle Cry of Freedom by James McPherson and the the Centennial History of the Civil War series by Bruce Catton.

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.