The Memoirs of William T. Sherman: Atlanta and the March to the Sea

De: William T. Sherman

Narrado por: Nelson Runger

"If the people raise a howl against my barbarity and cruelty, I will answer that war is war, and not popularity-seeking. If they want peace, they and their relatives must stop the war." These are the words of General William T. Sherman, with whom "scorched earth policy" will forever be linked. In his memoirs, the Union general describes the waning days of the American Civil War and his famous march through Georgia, culminating in the capture and burning of Atlanta. With frank, forceful words, the listener is brought to the front lines as Sherman wipes out 20,000 Confederate soldiers and sacks Atlanta - and in the process boosts Abraham Lincoln's re-election campaign. Please note: This audiobook contains only the "Atlanta and the March to the Sea" segment of The Memoirs of William T. Sherman.

Public Domain (P)1999 Recorded Books

Sherman Biography

Please Note! The Audible book only contains the Battle of Atlanta and the March to the Sea. I can only ask that Audible consider an abridged version of his entire biography omitting only most of Sherman’s voluminous written messages. His biography Is an important part of Civil War history.

A great memoir.

I wish the entire memoir was available. having just finished grants memoir it was interesting and insightful to see the differences between these two great generals, and friends, accounts and perspective of the war.

Total WAR

The period of the book includes only the siege on Atlanta and the "march to the sea"...one of the first American examples of total war taken to the enemy's people. The book is composed, largely, of correspondence between Sherman and other generals. Although he adds some personal opinions, it's largely about movements of the Army...boring to me. I plodded through the book expecting some good things later. As a career airman, I began to see the beginnings of a separate air force as well as the subsequent strategies of some air pioneers.

War Is Hell! A story that deserves re-telling

This book is a definite must-read for anyone with more than a passing interest in the American Civil War. This excerpt covers the battles around Atlanta and Sherman's March to the See; an amazing story in its own right. Sherman, for better or for worse, must be identified as among the world's first 'modern' generals and his narrative is clear, crisp and uncompromising. Unfortunately as an audiobook, this offering is anything but. The sound is muddy with some sections barely understandable. This is one story that deserves to be re-told

tactical account

more a tactical perspective, focusing on logistics, conditions, travel distances, foraging, but not much in way of overall Union strategy. Reproduction of letters between Sherman and other generals, esp Grant, are very interesting.

Very Engaging

It is amazing how different things sound when they are in their original context, especially Sherman's order about destruction. Additionally, the correspondence between Sherman and the opposing generals is fascinating.

Sherman wrote clearly even if he acted badly

The audio quality is not good, but if you are interested in the American Civil War it is still worth listening to, as it offers an outstanding opportunity to peer into the mind of one of the most famous Northern generals. Sherman writes very clearly and logically, and without any evidence of self-doubt or questioning of his role. His words are easy to understand even if his actions sometimes are not. I came away with a grudging respect for Sherman, after hearing his appraisal of opponents and friends, and his reactions to the situations facing him daily as he made critical decisions about the troops under his control. Definitely for the "buff" though, as it is very detailed. Also this is only a portion of his memoir; and the whole thing is worth reading.

I was there! as aide deCamp

If you could sum up The Memoirs of William T. Sherman in three words, what would they be?

His real letters

Any additional comments?

The reading of the letters between Sherman and Grant make this book very real and personal. I felt like I was there on his staff when he was talking about the events of the day. General Hardy was smart to evacuate Savannah, otherwise the city would have ended up like Atlanta. Sherman was a ruthless commander but because of him and men like him, war is hell, but the actions taken are necessary! And the war has not stopped, just in a different place.

Good introduction to Sherman.

I especially appreciated hearing his views on punishing those who supported the succession and holding the people of the confederate states accountable for their complicity.

Incomplete. Audible Doesn't Have Other Volumes

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

First of all, the title appears in the search simply as "The Memoirs of William T. Sherman." It was only after I bought it that I saw it was only one volume covering the Georgia campaign. That should have been made clear in the title as it appeared before I bought it.
The other volumes don't seem to be available on Audible, so I'm stuck with an incomplete set. Grant's memoirs, on the other hand, came all together (although 3 downloads, they were all one purchase).