The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I, Fort Sumter to Perryville

Fort Sumter to Perryville

By: Shelby Foote

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 1 of this highly acclaimed narrative begins one of the most remarkable works of history ever fashioned.

All the great battles are here, of course, from Bull Run through Shiloh, the Seven Days Battles, and Antietam, but so are the smaller ones: Ball’s Bluff, Fort Donelson, Pea Ridge, Island Ten, New Orleans, and Monitor versus Merrimac.

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

This first volume in Shelby Foote’s comprehensive history is a must-listen for anyone interested in one of the bloodiest wars in America’s history.

©1958 Shelby Foote. © renewed 1986 by Shelby Foote (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“In objectivity, in range, in mastery of detail, in beauty of language and feeling for the people involved, this work surpasses anything else on the subject…It stands alongside the work of the best of them.”

“Here, for a certainty, is one of the great historical narratives of our century, a unique and brilliant achievement, one that must be firmly placed in the ranks of the masters…a stirring and stupendous synthesis of history.”

“This is historical writing at its best…It can hardly be surpassed.”

“A stunning book full of color, life, character, and a new atmosphere of the Civil War, and at the same time a narrative of unflagging power. Eloquent proof that an historian should be a writer above all else.”

“I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am with the whole production—the format, of course, and the quality of sound; but above all with Grover Gardner’s performance. No writer could ask for a better out-loud reader.”

The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I (Unabridged

Not for the timid, this is a long detailed "narrative" on the Civil War. It is well done and mixes information from published history, historical letters and newspaper articles in a manner that gives the tone and mood of both the union and confederate sides of the War thoughout all three books. It ranks of one of the best non-fiction audible titles I have listened to and one of the few where I was "stuck in the driveway" waiting for things to happen many times.

Long But Mighty Fine

The three volumes (130 hours?) ran for about 4 1/2 months of daily gym workouts. I suggest buying a civil war map book or similar, since the main drawback to audio history is missing maps etc. The volumes were awesome hitting battles, generals. political leadership and economic and political bacground with an excellent, well woven flow. Not an easy task with so much information.

The best Civil War book ever!

Whether or not you're deeply into the Civil War, and no matter what facet of the war you're interested in, you will find something new and interesting in this book. Foote wonderfully crafts bios on major figures, military tactics, social pressures, and everyday life of the Civil War into one virtually seemless story that entertains as well as informs. Mr. Gardner has a very resonant voice that sounds both scholarly and like a voice from the 19th century, all at the same time. Highly recommended!

A greatly entertaining read

I enjoyed this book immensely. and could not wait for my commute drives to continue the story. It has stirred my interest in history further.

The best comprehensive Civil War book

If you're only going to read one book on the Civil War, this should be it. It's comprehensive, balanced, and readable. It's extremely long, but worth every minute of it.