The 10 Biggest Civil War Blunders

By: Edward H. Bonekemper III

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

What makes the Civil War so fascinating is that it presents an endless number of "what if" scenarios - moments when the outcome of the war (and therefore world history) hinged on a single small mistake or omission.

In this audiobook, Civil War historian Edward Bonekemper highlights the 10 biggest Civil War blunders, focusing in on intimate moments of military indecision and inaction involving great generals like Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and William T. Sherman as well as less effective generals such as George B. McClellan, Benjamin Butler, and Henry W. Halleck. Bonekemper shows how these 10 blunders significantly affected the outcome of the war, and explores how history might easily have been very different if these blunders were avoided.

©2018 Edward H. Bonekemper III (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Mistakes or Missed Opportunities a Better Title

I don't like the use of the word "blunder" in the title. After the fact hindsight analysis and research "seeing" a more complete layout of facts, strength, and positions of forces makes it " easy" to play Monday Morning QB and call the right play. I think most of the selected instances are better characterized as choices that turned out wrong or bad. Mistakes would be a better characterization. Some actions, if supported by past tendencies that show weak tactical or strategic acumen, ok then maybe rises to level of blunder (think Mcclellan's cautious approach and exaggeration s to avoid engagement). He may simply have been the wrong person for wartime command. Having said that I think the author's analysis from a historical perspective was very insightful and quite possibly accurate in it's conclusions. But they are just conjectures or educated guesses as to outcome. I think it unfair for us not involved in such stressful and complex decision making, that involves so many moving parts and coordination, to second guess others who had the responsibility to make those decisions. Some good, some bad. If only.....is a an intellectual exercise but absent information you might like to have, doesn't make the need for a decision go away.

Fascinating

As a Civil War reenactor this read has been quite a fascinating read. Very informative and engaging. This certainly gives me a lot of extra material to talk to the public about at these events. On top of that the research is great, very knowledgable .

Interesting take on the Civil War

I’m not sure I entirely agree with Mr. Bonekemper, but it’s an interesting story nonetheless. I hate critiquing readers’ voices as they can’t change it, nor would I do better in their shoes/situation. With that said, I found Mr. Berkot’s reading voice to be condescending and possibly arrogant. In no way should this review stop you from listening to this historical interpretation of the American Civil War.

What I didn’t know

Enjoyed this narrative very much. It should light on generals and non-generals that was indicative, but generals were also human.

Very Detailed and Enlightening

Each chapter goes into great depth. I learned a great deal more about the conflict as a result.

Monday morning quarterback

This book is a lot of could've, should'a, would've. But that should be expected from a book like this.

Great Book

Very interesting book with many stories I hadn't heard before. One of the best narrator's I have heard on any book!

Interesting Facts

It was quite interesting to listen to blunders that could have ended the war sooner.

200 years To Think About itI

In almost two centuries to think anoint. It. Anyone can be an expert.
I wondered if Mr Bonkemper

Great review of major blunders

Some of these I was aware of, but more of the strategic blunders were interesting to learn about. Not too heavy on detail that could bore you, instead moves quickly through the case studies. Narrator was a little too dramatic for my taste but that might be my only minor complaint. Great job overall.