The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2

Fredericksburg to Meridian

De: Shelby Foote

Narrado por: Grover Gardner

The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2 continues one of the most remarkable works of history ever fashioned. Focusing on the pivotal year of 1863, the second volume in Shelby Foote's masterful narrative history brings to life some of the most dramatic and important moments in the Civil War, including the Battle of Gettysburg and Grant's Vicksburg Campaign.

The word narrative is the key to this book's extraordinary incandescence and truth: The story is told entirely from the point of view of the people involved. One learns not only what was happening on all fronts but also how the author discovered it during his years of exhaustive research.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in one of the bloodiest wars in America's history.

©2016 Shelby Foote (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Extremely comprehensive!

It’s definitely long and a little slow, but very comprehensive in the historical telling. I am not a huge fan of this type of book, but I was drawn more and more into the story. Now I have to hear part 3!

Captivating

I’m learning so much that I did not know about the comings and goings of the civil war. I’m really enjoying this series. The narrator keeps you interested in his “easy to listen to” voice.

Brilliant

I absolutely enjoyed and loved the three books. I learned a lot of little things about the people and battles throughout the Civil War. Very long books, but that didn't stop me from listening to them over and over. A must listen.

Extremely Comprehensive Civil War Narrative

Our family is very interest in the Civil War. We've actually purchased the physical version of this book twice because it is so frequently read in our home. If you are looking for details and a thorough history book, you cannot do better than Shelby Foote's three-part narrative. However, the narrator does not do this book justice. It feels dry and tedious read by Grover Gardner. I enjoy some of Grover Gardner's other narrations, but this one isn't my favorite.

Completely unrelated, but discovered through reading this series. My paternal great-great-grandfather was shot/wounded at Opequen Creek within about a mile of where my maternal great-great-grandfather lived. This book brings history to life.

Foote was a Master storyteller

With the research done by Shelby Foote and intricate detail that accompanies each and every character whether large or small in this series comes the irresistible feeling that you are looking over the shoulders of the men who engaged in this struggle.

My Favorite Volume of the Series

If you could sum up The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2 in three words, what would they be?

Thorough, Eye-opening, Knowlegeable

What did you like best about this story?

It tells the whole story, with all of the major players, as well as many of the regular men that fought.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

Just like the first volume, he makes the book interesting. He also has a classic voice that seems like it could have been from the Civil War error.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me very appreciative of the author's work and knowledge.

Any additional comments?

Definitely read the first volume before this, but don't stop afterwards. I would also suggest reading them through in succession. Once you finish, start the next volume right away. Doing this helped the narrative flow.

Another Great Work

Shelby Foote's understanding of the Civil War is again obvious in Vol2. Shelby brings the reader into intimate contact with more than the events of the war; he weaves his knowledge of thoughts and impressions of the individuals into a feeling that brings the reader into the time itself. It is not a view from any one perspective, he balances the views of north and south, civilian and military, common man and politician in a complete and impartial review of these trying times. Shelby dedicated a significant amount of his life to understanding the Civil War and and then assembling it in a way that we could benefit from his unique knowledge. We own him a debt of gratitude for these volumes.

Highly enjoyable!

This is the third time I have read this series, once on cassette tape, once in print and again on Audible. As familiar as these paths are, I never cease to be amazed by Shelby Foote's encyclopedic scholarship and mastery of the English language. For those who have not yet read this masterpiece and for those who have forgotten the lessons of the past (our past!), the exact words and thoughts expressed 160 years ago are disquieting to anyone pondering our current societal divide.

I'm looking forward to vol. 3 more than ever!

Thoroughly enjoyed Shelby Foote's volume 1, and now volume 2. Very detailed history of the US civil war from 1860 on. His centrist, even-handed analysis of strategies and actions of North and South is refreshing, especially in light of so many biased accounts. I highly recommend it to everyone interested in US civil war history.

Just like the first one

If you’ve read the first volume, this is more of the same. The only issue I had with the first volume was it’s sometimes hard to tell which side such and such sub commander is on. This became less of an issue in this volume only because you eventually just learn it listening. It made this volume more enjoyable, so I bought the third.