The American Civil War

Between 1861 and 1865, the clash of the greatest armies the Western hemisphere had ever seen turned small towns, little-known streams, and obscure meadows in the American countryside into names we will always remember. In those great battles, those streams ran red with blood - and the United States was truly born.

If you've ever wanted to understand the Civil War, this series of 48 startlingly evocative lectures by a leading Civil War historian can serve as both an ideal single course or a solid starting point for further exploration - a richly detailed examination of how this great conflict affected every person in America. For you'll gain not only a deep knowledge of what happened, but new insights into why.

You'll learn how both sides' armies were recruited, equipped, and trained, and about the hard lot of those they took prisoner. You'll hear how soldiers on each of those sides dealt with the rigors of camp life, campaigns, and the terror of combat. And you'll understand how slaves and their falling masters responded to the advancing war, as well as the desperate price paid by the families so many left behind.

Though this series of lectures goes far beyond a simple examination of battles and generals, it also offers detailed analyses of the strategic and tactical dimensions of the Civil War's most important campaigns. At the same time, it never forgets that the conflict involved far more than pins on a map - and indeed claimed a greater cost in human lives than all other American wars combined.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2000 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2000 The Great Courses

Superb, Balanced History

Professor Gallagher's course on The American Civil War is the best, most insightful introduction to the subject in any medium. Any listener, from a beginner to an expert, will gain from his profound, unbiased presentation of the most important event in our history.

A good Civil War 101 Course

Did Professor Gary W. Gallagher do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Professor Gallagher is an expert on the Civil War and I've actually read quite a few of his works. This lecture series could go on for years and could be subdivided into many different courses but for an introductory course, this is an excellent job. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants and overview of the main themes and characters of the Civil War. I think anyone wanting to delve in to Shelby Foote's three-volume narrative of the conflict should start here.

Any additional comments?

It's just a pet peeve of mine but each lecture starts and ends with polite "gold clap" applause. It's obviously fake and inserted after the fact and it is really unnecessary. It's irritating to me, like fingers-on-a-chalkboard irritating. I'm giving it 3-stars for the performance because, well this is a lecture and I don't expect a dramatic reading and because of those silly "golf claps."

Incredible.

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

Near the very top.

What other book might you compare The American Civil War to and why?

If you've read 1776 by David McCullough, it reads much like that but greatly expanded and covering the great depth of the civil war throughout each year of it. From the political, social, military, foreign perspective Professor Gallagher shines a bright light over one of the darkest periods of American history. I've always had an affinity for American history, the revolution in particular. This gave great depth and insight into the time and tensions of the nation. Very rich in battle history, and parsed with quotes and letters throughout. Its an extremely captivating listen.

Which character – as performed by Professor Gary W. Gallagher – was your favorite?

I dont know so much if he performed any character per say, but he definitely gives deep insight and character to each historical figure. And will quote from letters or diaries at length to give context and meaning to actions by individuals.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

All you needed to know and more.

Any additional comments?

A really great use of a credit.

Fascinating in depth look

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

This is one of my favorite non-fiction audiobooks. It's an engaging deep dive into the Civil war, which does more than just recount the events, but gives you a peek at the contemporary views and stressors that led to the conflict, and drove the war over its four-year course.

Excellent review of the Civil War

This was my first Audible book, and I still consider it to be the best. The review of the war and its causes and aftermath is comprehensive, but never dry. Narration by the author is outstanding.