Gods and Generals

A Novel of the Civil War

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Stephen Lang

Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

The Killer Angels, Michael Shaara's classic Civil War novel about the men who led the fight at the Battle of Gettysburg, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning best seller. Now in Gods and Generals, Jeff Shaara carries forward his father's vision in an epic story that traces the lives, passions, and careers of these great military leaders from the first gathering clouds of the Civil War.

Here is Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a hopelessly by-the-book military instructor and devout Christian who becomes the greatest commander of the Civil War. We also find Winfield Scott Hancock, one of the finest leaders in the Union army, and Joshua Chamberlain, who gives up a promising academic career to become one of the most heroic soldiers in American history. And here too is the complex, aristocratic Robert E. Lee, faced with the agonizing decision of resigning from a distinguished, 30-year army career in order to defend his home, not believing until too late that a civil war would ever truly come to pass.

From the Battle of Fredericksburg, where, for the first time, all four men meet on the same field, to the Battle of Chancellorsville, when Jackson is mortally wounded by his own men, Gods and Generals paints a brilliant portrait of the lives of these great leaders during the tumultuous, bloody decade leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg.

Beautifully told, compelling in its vivid portrayal of the battlefield, and profound in its insights into the minds and hearts of those who fought, Gods and Generals is truly a worthy companion to the timeless The Killer Angels.

©1996 Jeffrey M. Shaara (P)1996 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Brilliant does not even begin to describe the Shaara gift. Thank Gods and Generals that it was passed from father to son." (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Bring on Gettysburg

Wonderful story that brings some of America's finest generals to the battlefield and into your heart and mind.

Great, minus the few audio errors.

A few errors in the audio, but a great story and well read. Can't wait for the next one.

History made entertaining

While it is somewhat disappointing that this is an abridged version, it actually works out pretty well. Hard core history or civil war listeners will want to wait for the complete work. But for the rest of us, this gives a not-too-long chunk of good story, interesting narrative, and colorful language.

loved it.

brilliant. historical fiction is not my usual cup of tea, I've listened to nonfiction history, many many volumes. this is great. I'm excited to hear more from the Shaara writing lineage.

Wish it were unabridged

Great story. Great performance. Wonderful voice, full of power. Please provide the unabridged version though!

A glimpse into the past

A fine glimpse into the past during the most trying time in U. S. history, this poignant story of the Civil War is told through the eyes of it's most famous participants in a way that makes you wonder what they may have been thinking.

history alive

great story and we'll.narrated
Jeff Shaara puts you in the shoes of those who were there and lived the events.
some recording issues caused interruptions in the story and should be repaired.

Draws together northern VA war development.

Enjoyable recount of a portion of the war. Would have to complement with other reading to specialize or continue second half of the war.

I wanted more

This was an excellent book. I would have preferred an unabridged version.

Interesting day to day account of Civil War Generald

The performance of Gods and Generals was excellent! However, I felt the author could have made the dialogue must stronger with nuances and more character development. Though well-written, there were many missed opportunities to expand into this