Battle Cry of Freedom

The Civil War Era

By: James M. McPherson

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

James M. McPherson, professor emeritus of U.S. history at Princeton, is one of the foremost scholars of the Civil War. In this informative and meticulously researched masterpiece, he clarifies the differing ways of life and philosophy that led to this shattering conflict.

Abraham Lincoln wondered whether in a free government the minority have the right to break up the government. Jefferson Davis felt forced to take up arms to guarantee his states rights. McPherson merges the words of these men and other political luminaries, housewives, and soldiers from both armies with his own concise analysis of the war to create a story as compelling as any novel.

Battle Cry of Freedom vividly traces how a new nation was forged when a war both sides were sure would amount to little dragged for four years and cost more American lives than all other wars combined. Narrator Jonathan Davis powerful reading brings to life the many voices of the Civil War.

©2003 James Macpherson (P)2020 Recorded Books, Inc.

History

One of the best history books I have encountered.
This books covers the war but also economic, political and social aspects.
The book enhances my knowledge, understanding and appreciation of a gigantic part in the American pageant while leaving question my mind about the implications of mindsets that have persisted.
It is especially poignant because of the present movement that is tearing down that which is part of the American soul.
It hauntingly brings to life, “Can a nation so conceived long endure.” That, maybe, the national government created has gone a bridge too far. Maybe, we are all enslaved.

Great amount of information and detail

So much information I did not know about. I especially like the stories about the generals on both sides. Also, the stories about the different views Union politicians had about abolition was very eye opening. The narrator was super.

Excellent history

This covers not only the battles you have heard about, but also the broader social story of the war.

It also completely devastates the idea that the south was fighting for “states rights” and not to preserve slavery. And it uses primary sources to do so.

No question

This is one of the finer works of this genre ranking with those of Wilson ,Belchiwitz, and Redfarter. The narrator is smooth as almond silk milk and others of his ilk. In other words fritz not to be missed dissed or pissed

Worth the listening

Listening was a long slog. The book deals more with the politics and background details than the battles. It was definitely worth the hours of listening.

Fantastic

I highly recommend! This is a great introduction to the Civil War. Narration is excellent as well.

Definitive

The great classic of the Civil War. I can’t believe it took me this long to read it. It is all the more relevant at this time of such national disunity.

Long listen

I’m a fan of civil war history. This was right up my alley. Plus, I’ve met Mr McPherson, he taught in my home town (though I never was privileged to be in his class).

Thorough and Engaging

Loved the detail and the wide ranging perspectives. The combination of military, economic and foreign policy perspectives was superb.

Great account of the Civil war and 1850s.

James M. McPherson's book explains and tells the history of the civil war era, outlining every major event and process. It spends some time the 1850s before going to the civil war itself, allowing reader to understand the reasons for the war. The book is well written and structured very well. The narrator - Jonathan Davis is a great, personally my favorite on audible because of his clear, calm and pleasant voice.