William Tecumseh Sherman Audiobook By James Lee McDonough cover art

William Tecumseh Sherman

In the Service of My Country: A Life

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William Tecumseh Sherman

By: James Lee McDonough
Narrated by: David Drummond
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General Sherman's 1864 burning of Atlanta solidified his legacy as a ruthless leader. Yet Sherman proved far more complex than his legendary military tactics reveal. James Lee McDonough offers fresh insight into a man tormented by the fear that history would pass him by, who was plagued by personal debts, and who lived much of his life separated from his family.

As a soldier, Sherman evolved from a spirited student at West Point into a general who steered the Civil War's most decisive campaigns, rendered here in graphic detail. Lamenting casualties, Sherman sought the war's swift end by devastating Southern resources in the Carolinas and on his famous March to the Sea. This meticulously researched biography explores Sherman's warm friendship with Ulysses S. Grant, his strained relationship with his wife, Ellen, and his unassuageable grief over the death of his young son, Willy. The result is a remarkable, comprehensive life of an American icon whose legacy resonates to this day.

©2016 James Lee McDonough (P)2016 Tantor American Civil War Biographies & Memoirs Military Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism Wars & Conflicts War Civil War Biography

Critic reviews

"McDonough has produced an exhaustive biography told with considerable narrative skill." ( Publishers Weekly)
Comprehensive Biography • Well-researched Content • Pleasant Voice • Vivid Character • Balanced Historical Perspective

Highly rated for:

All stars
Most relevant
interesting and pertinent info on the General, well presented. I learned a great deal, and I've read about the war extensively.

Excellent.

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A gripping biography with an excellent performance. Easily my favorite book I've listened to on audible.

William Tecumseh Sherman

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Fascinating subject, well researched. But the narrator sounds almost artificial, like someone speaking the words but not understanding their content.

Less than optimal narration

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In light of all of the recent destruction of and uproar over all things confederate, I am taking it upon myself to learn more about the critical time that was the American Civil War and those figures that were prominent on both sides. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learning more about “Uncle Willy.”

Loved it!

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It is easy to either ignore the faults of our American "heroes," or over-emphasize them until they become a sort of villain. The antidote I think is seeking to grasp their real contexts. This book does an admirable job in that regard. Sherman's greatness and his flaws are all on display here in a detailed and entertaining accounting of his life. I enjoyed this book and hope you will, too.

Great American in context

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A fantastic biography. Doesn’t get lost in mindless facts and really tells a factual and informative story.

Fantastic

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A must-read for Civil War enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone intrigued by the complexities of leadership and war.

Insightful

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I’m endlessly fascinated by the Civil War and in particular with Sherman. I found this biography well done- very interesting and comprehensive. I loved everything about it except for the narrator. Something about his reading style sounds synthetic- almost like AI. I’m glad I didn’t let that prevent me from listening because it’s a great book, but the narrator voice was kind of odd.

Very comprehensive!

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Well researched and entertainingly told, this biography will satisfy civil war buffs as well as those who are just curious. Highly recommended.

Fascinating read about a fascinating historical figure

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It is always pleasant to learn about incredibly talented people who use those talents every moment of their lives. It is less so to read an honest account of their many shortcomings, even when those shortcomings are easily understood in the context of the times in which they were born, raised and thrived. Sherman was a great man who, like everyone else who ever walked the planet, had some glaring deficiencies. As a human being I give him a B+/A-, the highest grade imaginable.

He was the right man at the right place at the right time.

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