Rebel Yell

The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson

De: S. C. Gwynne

Narrado por: Cotter Smith

General Stonewall Jackson was like no one anyone had ever seen. In April of 1862 he was merely another Confederate general with only a single battle credential in an army fighting in what seemed to be a losing cause. By middle June he had engineered perhaps the greatest military campaign in American history and was one of the most famous men in the Western World. He had given the Confederate cause what it had recently lacked: hope. In four full-scale battles and six major skirmishes in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Jackson had taken an army that never numbered more than 17,000 men and often had far less, against more than 70,000 Union troops whose generals had been ordered specifically to destroy him. And he had humiliated them, in spite of their best efforts, sent the armies reeling backward in retreat. He had done it with the full knowledge that he and his army were alone in a Union-dominated wilderness and surrounded at all times. He had even beaten a trap designed by Lincoln himself to catch him.

How did he do this? Jackson marched his men at a pace unknown to soldiers of the era. He made flashing strikes in unexpected places, and assaults of hard and relentless fury. He struck from behind mountain ranges and out of steep passes. His use of terrain reminded observers of Hannibal and Napoleon. His exploits in the valley rank among the most spectacular military achievements of the 19th century.

Considered one of our country’s greatest military figures, a difficult genius cited as inspiration by such later figures as George Patton and Erwin Rommel, and a man whose brilliance at the art of war transcends the Civil War itself, Stonewall Jackson’s legacy is both great and tragic in this compelling account, which demonstrates how, as much as any Confederate figure, Jackson embodies the romantic Southern notion of the virtuous lost cause.

©2014 S. C. Gwynne (P)2014 Simon & Schuster Audio

One of the best historical reads (listens) ever.

If you could sum up Rebel Yell in three words, what would they be?

Couldn't stop listening. (Actually four words if you count the contraction)

What other book might you compare Rebel Yell to and why?

Not sure it has a comparison.

Which scene was your favorite?

all

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both. Complex yet exceedingly understandable at the hands of Mr. Gwynne and that was just Stonewall Jackson's personality. It had its happy parts, sad parts, patriotic parts, and through it all had a sense that S.C. Gwynne was actually there. Amazing read.

Any additional comments?

In my opinion, this is one of the best historical books I have ever listened to. The story telling based on facts takes you from the beginning to the end of his life and everything in between. It is also a story of someone that really did not fit in or exceed until the war. Then Stonewall did what he was meant to do and became arguably the best General we have ever had. He may have fought on the losing side but his bravery and courage was second to none. Thank you S. C. Gwynne for putting together such a compelling book. Cotter Smith, you rocked in the narration.

Civil War - different perspective

I learned a lot about the view from the south of the Civil War. Interesting that Jackson was against slavery, but fought bravely due to the issue of state sovereignty. Jackson was brave because he believed God would pick the time of his death. Apparently, God picked the time that was part of turning the tide of the war. Jackson was killed by his own men in a strange set of circumstances. Interesting book.

An excellent recounting

This book gives such fine insight into the man who still remains one of the South‘s greatest heroes. I believe he may be one of the finest military men of all time. And he was such an odd bird but maybe that’s why this book was so enjoyable

Rebel Yell

Wonderfully written; emotional and powerful. This book is a riveting listen, and I would highly recommend for anyone who loves American history, especially of the Civil War.

Rebel Yell

I love this book, very entertaining. Takes a while to listen too, but would highly recommend. Hope you enjoy!

A most excellent book!

I love Civil War history, and this book was read in such a way to bring the characters to life. I highly recommend this. You will be touched hearing the life of not only this amazing man. But many more famous men on both sides of the war.

Great story telling. Long, but veryinteresting.

I've not listened to much on the Civil War, this book gave a great overview of early events as well as diving deep into one of the most interesting people.

What a life.

I hardly recommend this biography, and the performance is the best I have experienced. Gwynne and Smith combine their talents to make for a book better than a novel. They transport the listener into the noisy battles and the gentile parlors Antebellum Virginia with equal realism.

While I had been recommended to learn more about Stonewall Jackson, I was not prepared for the man. He seems more a figure of mythical proportions than a real human being. The stoically resolved cadet grew to a man of such powerful character that his nation could not out live him. And like all flawed heros, Jackson's strengths were also his greatest failures.


His loyalty to Virginia and what he saw as essential rights of self-governance led him to what we see in hindsight as atrocious outcomes. However, we did not live in 19th century America, and we can never fully appreciate the issues of the time. His slaves were devoted to him because of His devotion to them. His men, harshly treated at times, mourned his loss as the loss of a prophet.

Thomas J. Jackson proved to be a man beyond definition. Compassionate to slaves and Confederate soldiers alike, he was also so often harsh and unbending for what he saw as justice. Like Robert E. Lee, as well as fellow Union Generals Grant and Sherman, Jackson seems to have fought not for or against slavery but what he saw as Americanism.

This history is exceptional. It is well written.

The author presents the story in a way that is both engaging and informative.

One of the best books I have ever read

This is easily one of the best books I have ever read or listened to- this insight into the life of one of the Civil Wars most interesting men is unparalleled.

I cannot recommend this book and prof menace enough.