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)

great book, price sucks

great book! price sucks though, not long enough for the money, could have went further into the surrender at Appomattox

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and John B. Gordon

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

Stephen Lang has a great voice.

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

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.

The Last Full Measure

This is an excellent depiction of the last 2 years of the War between the States.

Wonderful story. Wonderful to listen to.

What made the experience of listening to The Last Full Measure the most enjoyable?

The reader made you feel as if you were listening to the actual character talk

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Full Measure?

The last days of the battle and then the epilogue

Which scene was your favorite?

The surrender of the south

If you could rename The Last Full Measure, what would you call it?

Honor to the end

Any additional comments?

Love Jeff Sharra!

Such an important history told in such a sensitive manner.

I enjoyed the reader’s voice. The events were easy to follow and one gets a sense of the personalities of the characters in the story. Yet the writer conveyed the horrible details and carnage that occurred. I started with this 3rd volume of the trilogy because I saw the movies that are the result of the 1st & 2nd books. Now I want to get those books and hear what the movies could not include.

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.

One of my favorites

I enjoyed the whole series. The stroy was awesome to hear as most of the time Gettysburg is often heard of and assumed the last battle. I enjoy history and learning more is always fun.

Great book

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