Gods and Generals

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Stephen Lang

The New York Times bestselling prequel to the Pulitzer Prize–winning classic The Killer Angels

In this brilliantly written epic novel, Jeff Shaara traces the lives, passions, and careers of the 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; Winfield Scott Hancock, a captain of quartermasters who quickly establishes himself as one of the finest leaders of the Union army; Joshua Chamberlain, who gives up his promising academic career and goes on to become one of the most heroic soldiers in American history; and Robert E. Lee, never believing until too late that a civil war would ever truly come to pass. Profound in its insights into the minds and hearts of those who fought in the war, Gods and Generals creates a vivid portrait of the soldiers, the battlefields, and the tumultuous times that forever shaped the nation.©1996 Jeffrey M. Shaara; (P)1996 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Powerful . . . Though the story of the Civil War has been told many times, this is the rare version that conveys what it must have felt like.”—Chicago Sun-Times

“Compelling . . . a work of vivid drama and skill.”—The Dallas Morning News

“[Jeff] Shaara’s beautifully sensitive novel delves deeply in the empathetic realm of psycho-history, where enemies do not exist—just mortal men forced to make crucial decisions and survive on the same battlefield.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“Historical detail and depth of character carry the book, which examines the viewpoints and vulnerabilities of one of the most fascinating collections of military minds ever assembled on a single battlefront.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Shaara has created human beings of the myths and cold facts.”—St. Petersburg Times

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.