The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2

Fredericksburg to Meridian

By: Shelby Foote

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 52 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 2 continues one of the most remarkable works of history ever fashioned. Focusing on the pivotal year of 1863, the second volume in Shelby Foote's masterful narrative history brings to life some of the most dramatic and important moments in the Civil War, including the Battle of Gettysburg and Grant's Vicksburg Campaign.

The word narrative is the key to this book's extraordinary incandescence and truth: The story is told entirely from the point of view of the people involved. One learns not only what was happening on all fronts but also how the author discovered it during his years of exhaustive research.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in one of the bloodiest wars in America's history.

©2016 Shelby Foote (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Extremely Comprehensive Civil War Narrative

Our family is very interest in the Civil War. We've actually purchased the physical version of this book twice because it is so frequently read in our home. If you are looking for details and a thorough history book, you cannot do better than Shelby Foote's three-part narrative. However, the narrator does not do this book justice. It feels dry and tedious read by Grover Gardner. I enjoy some of Grover Gardner's other narrations, but this one isn't my favorite.

Completely unrelated, but discovered through reading this series. My paternal great-great-grandfather was shot/wounded at Opequen Creek within about a mile of where my maternal great-great-grandfather lived. This book brings history to life.

Foote was a Master storyteller

With the research done by Shelby Foote and intricate detail that accompanies each and every character whether large or small in this series comes the irresistible feeling that you are looking over the shoulders of the men who engaged in this struggle.

Captivating

I’m learning so much that I did not know about the comings and goings of the civil war. I’m really enjoying this series. The narrator keeps you interested in his “easy to listen to” voice.

fuck yea

loved it, Shelby Foote is one of the best when it comes to the civil war and I'm very grateful that you guys aloud this one your platform, you know with cancel culture literally changing history and shit

Long Listen But So Good

There are times when my mind wonders off while listening, so I recommend pacing yourself when listening.

This is such a great story and very beautifully written. I highly recommend it for American History fans.

The story is also a bit of military history. It's fascinating to hear not only the story of the Civil War but also the start of American military might. Tactics and inventions used by both sides eventually find their way into the reunified military. When you hear them mentioned in passing in this story, it's cool to know where it will lead (e.g. Beauregard playing around but failing with submarines).

Excellent content

Foote certainly deserves to be called America's Herodotus. He tells things from all points of view. It is confusing that he refers to everything Confederate using the same language: capitol, white house, congress. It does nothing to make me sympathize with traitors, even though it describes them in an unbiased way. (Personally, I would probably sympathize more with the Confederacy if it were told from an anti-Southern perspective.)
This book does a fine job with Gettysburg, but the unexpected highlight were the Rosecrans' battles: Iuka through Chattanooga, which was finally won by Grant and Thomas.
There were two drawbacks, both of which are unavoidable. Since it's an audiobook, it's not handy to look back on the previous page. The author often mentions a general's name once then uses "he" a dozen times. If you miss the general's name, you don't know what's going on. It's worse if Mr Gardner just says "Smith" or "Price", since there were so many of them. Further, he pronounces Polk and Pope almost the same.
My biggest disappointment is that instead of Foote's beautiful folksy style he uses in interviews, this book uses a mixture of literary parusia (present tense for historical events) + trendy words publishers like + his beautiful style with old-fashioned words. While the inconsistent language is disappointing, it does nothing to take away from the tale he communicates.
As to complaints from folks in ivory towers who complain that it's not an academic work, I urge the reader to remember that Foote is the American Herodotus, focused on fostering mutual understanding.

Even better than the first one!

Wow. It seems either I got better at following the battles or Foote's explanations are more concise and beautiful. Either way, a most excellent account of the Civil War. A lot of crazy characters, beautifully horrible descriptions, and political intrigue. Plus, it's all true, which is a plus.

a must listen.

Within these chapters Foote embellishes on the mental picture and the storyline within our minds.

Great audio book

A great many facts told by a master storyteller.
Highly recommend for history buffs or any others that are interested in the American Civil War.

Stunning

I cannot imagine a better reader than the one I’ve been listening to for more than 80 hours, Grover Gardner. And I cannot imagine a better work of history than this classic by Shelby Foote. Using his gifts as a novelist, he creates vivid scenes, the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and feelings, wherever possible and apt. The major characters, the Titans, such as Lincoln, Davis, Grant, and Lee are likewise made as realistic as any writer can. The common man and woman are not left out, with many excerpts from letters and diaries written over the years. Finally, the horror of this disgustingly epic bloodflood is presented in the graphic detail it deserves.