The Glorious Cause

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 25 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

History buffs will rejoice at Jeff Shaara's latest foray into the glorious days of America's founding. This dramatic sequel to his best selling Rise to Rebellion continues his chronicle of the key characters of the American Revolution and animates some of the most compelling scenes in America's history: Washington's harrowing winter at Valley Forge, Benedict Arnold's tragic downfall, and the fiercely-fought battles at Trenton, Brandywine Creek, and Yorktown. Shaara draws his readers into the ethical and strategic dilemmas of his characters. More than simple events, the dates and battles are fleshed out in our imaginations as momentary choices that could easily have turned out differently even with the same actors. Shaara's sequel shows how the philosophical ideas of the Founding Fathers outgrew the library in the theater of war.

©200 Jeff Shaara (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"As in all good historical fiction, Shaara's novel gives historical figures flesh-and-blood viability." (Booklist)
"History master Jeff Shaara scores again...with historical accuracy and a you-are-there immediacy." (The New York Post)

Historical Fiction?

While the author calls this a "ficticious" novel, it is in fact a history of the Revolutionary War that has been "fictionalized" by giving each historical character lines to recite and personality development that one does not usually expect in a history book. I was somewhat apprehensive about this approach but now feel that I have received an understanding of the characters and situations on all sides of this conflict. If one is willing to accept that some liberty had to be taken in character development, you are still left with a striking picture of the situations and times that were so crucial in the development of this country. All told a fine work that every history buff will love.

engrossing...

First the one negative point: 2 chapters repeated themselves WITHING sections of the download. Very aggravating. Complaints done.

Audible.com has helped me really appreciate the history poor texts spoiled for us in school. Adams, Jefferson, Jefferson and Mason and the making of a nation, and others flesh out and make real a time that still resonates for the world and us, whether in fulfillments of our values or in the sometimes abandonment of our values.

The narrator is excellent.

My tears over the tragedy of the loss of life in any war and the deep passions and fears were brought out as I listened to this narrative. Each of the characters were vibrant and I trembled with excitement at some of the battles while mourning those who endured those times.

Washington comes out almost as mythical in this account as we read of him in our high school textbooks.

This books is a joy.

The Glorious Cause

After reading the biography of John Adams this book added much to my understanding of the times and the people involved. I could not stop to eat and listened to the book from start to finish.

Great book; worth in in every way

I love the study of history, but at times it can become a little dry. This book takes you through the revolutionary war in a way that is anything but dry. What a story!! This book is a great read in every sense.

Fascinating!

Although I prefer mysteries, I found this book to be every bit as exciting. Not being well versed in history, I found it just as enjoyable as a good novel with the difference being, I already knew how it would end. The reader did an excellent job in making history come alive. I found this book to be very entertaining as well as educational. I recommend it to anyone whether they enjoy history or just a good book.

Wonderfully entertaining; memorable

This was very entertaining to listen to, and I learned so much about what once seemed to me as a sometimes dry history concerning the Revolutionary War. It is a great combination of a good story and good history.

A Must Listen

If your a fan of historical fiction this is a wonderful listen. Very informative on the times of the revolutionary war. I was pleasantly surprised by the afterward that detailed the characters lives after the war. I recommend that you either read or listen to Rise To Rebellion which is set in the time leading up to the point this book starts.

A compelling read

I thouhgt this was even better thatn the author's civil war books. He brings forward compelling pesonalities and the high drama of the American Revolution. Well and dramatically read.

Essential

This is the story that schools won't take the time to tell...IF the teachers even knew it. Many blanks are filled in with much detail, but it's never tedious. Well worth the time spent.

History of Independence comes alive

This is a great book that brings alive the characters of George Washington, Gen. Cornwallis. This is not historical fiction. It is written from journals and personal letters. This was a pivotal time in our country's history and the author did a great job of getting behind the scenes and into the heads of the central players. We need more books like this that really reveal the history of our nation. Narration was good.