Why Gettysburg Mattered: 150 Years Later (Bonus Material: The Gettysburg Address)

By: Allen C. Guelzo

Narrated by: Mark Boyett, Kevin Pariseau

Length: 14 mins

Publisher's summary

The Battle of Gettysburg - the turning point of the American Civil War - would, in the words of one staff officer, stand "like Waterloo, conspicuous in the history of all ages." In this stirring production, adapted from the New York Times’ award-winning online journal and Audible audiobook Disunion, we revisit the meaning and importance of the battle that forever changed US history. Timed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the battle which took place over several days starting July 1st, 1863, Why Gettysburg Mattered concludes with an inspiring performance of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

©2013 The New York Times (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

interesting information

stuff I didn't really know about, but realize now how much our country now is similar to our country 151 years ago.

A good summary of American history

The Gettysburg Address is a speech delivered by US President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, given during the American Civil War, and is one of the most well-known speeches in American history.

It begins "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." - and is an opening that many non-Americans in western countries will recognised because it's quoted so often in American TV shows and films.

This short recording culminates in a reading of the Gettysburg Address in its entirety (it’s not that long!) and is a succinct history lesson that is both interesting and easy to follow.

While the Gettysburg Address may conjure up feelings of patriotism for Americans, non-Americans can simply appreciate the general history lesson this audiobook provides on another country.

Why Gettysburg Mattered is narrated by Mark Boyett and Kevin Pariseau. They are both formal and clear in their reading but add passion to the history lesson to drive home the importance of the Gettysburg Address to Americans.

It’s an interesting and worthwhile lesson that currently won’t cost a cent to obtain, and is just one of several non-fiction titles that I've reviewed on my audiobook site at SaidNotRead dot wordpress dot com. If you you enjoy history, you should enjoy this audiobook.

simply outstanding

I loved this short essay and believe it succeeds at explaining why Gettysburg is so important to understanding the value of democracy.

Beautiful Info

Learned a lot of interesting facts surrounding the time of the event that have not been covered on other documentaries of the era.
One person found this helpful

concise and precise but that's it

concise and precise but annoyed at 20 word requirement and I can't delete this book from list

An Eye Opener

Sadly, my hithertofore retained knowledge of the "history of the Civil War" is pretty much from Gone With the Wind.There was a battle of Gettysburg? Really? I didn't remember Rhett or Scarlett being there.

My exposure to the Gettysburg Address consisted of school days memorizing of the first part of the speech - "Four score and seven years ago..." and wondering what the heck a score was (yup, got it, thanks!).

This short presentation was fascinating, and even though I listened to it with only half an ear, it was a real eye opener to what I've turned a blind eye to all my life. This audio production was short enough and lively enough to engage my attention and get that I really should learn more about the political climate and the course of the war between the states, to have a better concept of what the heck is going on these days in politics.

I will be re-listening to this several times I expect.

Enjoyable preview for book of vignettes

I read some of these essays when they ran in the NY Times, and appreciated getting this preview before buying the whole book. My teenage history-loving son enjoyed this preview, and it made us decide to get the whole book soon.

Of course the whole significance of Gettysburg can't be covered in 14 minutes. But if you are looking for something episodic to listen to the car, or for short time before bed, as we are, this was a great length.

The narrator was good and engaging as well.

A different prospective

A different prospective of the importance of the Battle of Gettysburg from a political standpoint rather than a military standpoint. A short review that ends with the reading of the Gettysburg Address will inspire all true Americans outlook on this world's greatest country.

great perspective

A short snipit on the meaning of Gettysburg, reiforcing that it was the turning point in the Civil War. It showed that a democratic government, never before tried in the world, where the government was of the people, for the people, and by the people, could survive and thrive. Lincoln's Gettysburg Adresss sums it all up quite nicely.

Great Insight into the Battle of Gettysburg

I was never much of a history buff, but this essay explained things about the Battle of Gettysburg in a very clear way. I had heard of Gettysburg and Lincoln's famous speak, but this essay put it into good perspective.