Quantrill's War

The Life and Times of William Clarke Quantrill, 1837-1865

By: Duane Schultz

Narrated by: Richard M. Davidson

Award-winning novelist and historian Duane Schultz, dramatically recreates the treachery of Civil War "Colonel" William Clarke Quantrill's life and the riveting climax of his infamous raid on Lawrence, Kansas. From letters and diaries, Schultz skillfully weaves together this exciting, dark side of Quantrill - a man who was part warrior, part villain.

At first, William Clarke Quantrill conveniently sided with whomever was the strongest at the time - abolitionists or slavery supporters - but eventually, he settled on backing the Confederacy. With his charismatic personality, he attracted a motley band of idealists and renegades for his guerilla army. Quantrill longed to be an officer, but when the Confederacy refused to commission him, because of his tactics of murdering for pleasure and looting for gain, he simply took the title of colonel and later, captain.

Narrator Richard M. Davidson takes the listener to the battlefields, bringing to life the people, sights, and sounds of the Civil War. The combination of Schultz's masterful descriptions and Davidson's sense of timing makes Quantrill's history as exciting as today's headlines.

©1996 Duane Schultz (P)1997 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Schultz retells Quantrill's life with dramatic flourish - his re-creation of the Lawrence, Kansas, massacre and of the pursuit of Quantrill by scattered Union forces is particularly exciting. Readers interested in the dark side of the Civil War will find much to ponder." ( Publishers Weekly)

thrilling

its hard to believe how brutal the civil was . great story , very sad

great work!

I always knew the stories of Quantrill, but never the extent and the savage nature of the man. I only wish the ending would have brought to modern day the artifact being discussed! (no spoilers here!)

Overall a Great Book

I liked this book, especially the narration. It was a good audio read. My only knock against it was the many chapters that really had nothing to do with Quantrill, just general history. Informative, but not completely relevant. Overall, though, I was left with the feeling I knew more about the odd and terrifying man that was William Quantrill. I would recommend this book.

Quantrill's War - a famous criminal's story

The fascinating and horrific accounts in and around the life of this man and those of his contemporaries are fascinating pieces of history every person with family roots in Kansas or Missouri should know about as well as any Civil War buff or criminologist should become familiar with. A history as told by an excellent narrator, and of course kudos to the author on a job very well done.

Must listen

All I can say s this was exciting and a wonderful listen. Highly recommended.