Combat: The Civil War

By: Don Congdon, Bruce Catton

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 29 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's Summary

This is the book Civil War enthusiasts have been waiting for.

There are many, many studies of the Civil War. Books have been written on its economic effects, its political causes, its relationship to western expansion. But the real fascination of the war is the story of combat, men in battle. Combat: The Civil War tells this story in the words of men who actually marched into battle. We share their experiences, their fears, and their moments of bravery at Vicksburg, on board the Monitor, at Gettysburg, and at the bloody battle of Antietam. These eyewitness accounts are interspersed with brief commentaries by some of our most respected historians - Douglas Southall Freeman and John J. Pullen, for example - who illuminate the accounts by placing them in their proper context.

Those who have been looking for one volume that manages to tell the whole story of the war in a clear way need look no further. Combat: The Civil War is a gritty and readable history. Immediate and at the same time informative, here is that rare work that actually brings the struggles and characters of the past to life.

©1967 Don Congdon; 1967 by Bruce Catton (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Could Have Been Better

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

If each character, and there are many, was consistently identified as confederate or federal, I have no doubt that I would have given this work 5 stars.

What was most disappointing about Don Congdon and Bruce Catton ’s story?

Many, many generals, captains and so on are mentioned or quoted; unfortunately it becomes hard to discern which side soldier so-and-so is aquatinted with. Anyone listening to the tale would quickly become confused for the storyline gets twisted, and more often than not the question arises... Was general so-and-so a confederate or a federal? One would have to take notes to stay with the plot.

Have you listened to any of Joe Barrett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Joe Barrett does a great job in reading the book!

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Frustration... I quit listening after the first seven hours. I could not bear another twenty-plus hours of confusion.

Any additional comments?

This book could have been enjoyable and educational had the characters and the locations been properly and consistently identified.

excellent selections

This combines an excellent and versitale reader and an insightful and exciting collection of memiors.

Real Stories From The Men That Fought The Battles

great story, told by the men that were there, what they did and what they saw

great book

excellent book. I learned allot, it was amusing this book confused some people. I don't think they read much.

Excellent

Tales of the civil war from those who were there - I am sorry it finished I enjoyed it immensely
John

Good Perspectives

I enjoyed this compilation of firsthand accounts. These accounts bring details and perspectives not easily captured by other works which seek to summarize. The reader is excellent, and brought just enough vocal variation to the works to make them even more interesting.

History Book Review

Interesting for its point of view from the people of the time. Main problem I found was that these seemed to be reports (in general) of people with their future ambitions and self image in mind and did not give a true picture of their feelings during the actual battles. Unless they were complete idiots!