The Last Full Measure

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Stephen Lang

Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

In the Pulitzer prize–winning classic The Killer Angels, Michael Shaara created the finest Civil War novel of our time. In the bestselling Gods and Generals, Shaara’s son, Jeff, brilliantly sustained his father’s vision, telling the epic story of the events culminating in the Battle of Gettysburg. Now, Jeff Shaara brings this legendary father-son trilogy to its stunning conclusion in a novel that brings to life the final two years of the Civil War.   

As The Last Full Measure opens, Gettysburg is past and the war advances to its third brutal year. On the Union side, the gulf between the politicians in Washington and the generals in the field yawns ever wider. Never has the cumbersome Union Army so desperately needed a decisive, hard-nosed leader. It is at this critical moment that Lincoln places Ulysses S. Grant in command—and turns the tide of war.   

For Robert E. Lee, Gettysburg was an unspeakable disaster—compounded by the shattering loss of the fiery Stonewall Jackson two months before. Lee knows better than anyone that the South cannot survive a war of attrition. But with the total devotion of his generals—Longstreet, Hill, Stuart—and his unswerving faith in God, Lee is determined to fight to the bitter end.   

Here too is Joshua Chamberlain, the college professor who emerged as the Union hero of Gettysburg—and who will rise to become one of the greatest figures of the Civil War.   

Battle by staggering battle, Shaara dramatizes the escalating confrontation between Lee and Grant—complicated, heroic, deeply troubled men. From the costly Battle of the Wilderness to the agonizing siege of Petersburg to Lee’s epoch-making surrender at Appomattox, Shaara portrays the riveting conclusion of the Civil War through the minds and hearts of the individuals who gave their last full measure.   

Full of human passion and the spellbinding truth of history, The Last Full Measure is the fitting capstone to a magnificent literary trilogy.

©2000 Jeff Shaara (P)2003 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“The Last Full Measure is more than another historical novel. It is rooted in history, but its strength is the element of humanity flowing through its characters.... The book is compelling, easy to read, well researched and written, and thought-provoking.... In short, it is everything that a reader could ask for.” (Chicago Tribune)

“Masterful... These characters come alive as complex, heroic, and flawed men.” (Baltimore Sun)

“[Shaara] writes with considerable sensitivity and skill, setting vivid scenes and adding drama and suspense to a familiar tale.” (The Seattle Times)

ABRIDGED SUCKS!

What disappointed you about The Last Full Measure?

the abridged version cut out far, far too much. it was like a different story completely.

What did you like best about this story?

I .... all of it.

Which character – as performed by Stephen Lang – was your favorite?

Gen Chanberlin in this one, mainly when he tells sheridan to get out of the way.

What character would you cut from The Last Full Measure?

cut? oh,nonono! I'd add!

Any additional comments?

First abridged book, never again.

great story - terrible abridgement

What disappointed you about The Last Full Measure?

The way it was cut down - the story didn't flow - shame there's no option too buy the unabridged version

Closer to a book report

This book is way too abridged. The nimrod who reads it doesn't know how to pronounce some of the names in it. I do not recommend it. Great book, but this version is very poor.

Abridged Version Not Worth It

I really wish the unabridged version was available from Audible. This version is choppy with little continuity. Without the character development that comes from an unabridged version, this is little more than a summary of events with scattered dialog. Having enjoyed Shaara's series based on the Western Theater of the Civil War this was a major disappointment.

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and John B. Gordon

All wars should end this way. ... with honorable men acknowledging and saluting each other.

Great book

Very good book
Stephen Lang did a fantastic job
Jeff Shaars’s books are all very good

Stephen Lang has a great voice.

I wish a movie was made from this. Good book. Stephen Lang was a great Narrater.

Too much lost in the abridged version

they took way too much out. I found myself filling in the blanks from memory.

Disappointed by abridgement

Much of what made this an exceptional book was edited out. Epilogue totally deleted. Also, many details that added so much. Disappointing. Narrator could pick up the pace.

This reveiw needs a title...

Like the first two in the trilogy,this is a good book with pieces of brilliance and bits of dullness. The latter, military maneuvers, mean little unless you can walk the ground. The novel features Grant, Lee and Chamberlain--covers post Gettysburg to Appomattox.. An enjoyable book and satisfying finish.

Shame this was not made in to a film!

Have seen the films: Men & God's and Gettysburg. Very good audio book! Loved it!