The Long Gray Line

The American Journey of West Point's Class of 1966

By: Rick Atkinson

Narrated by: Adam Barr, Rick Atkinson

Length: 28 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

"A story of epic proportions [and] an awesome feat of biographical reconstruction." (The Boston Globe)

This program includes an original foreword, read by Rick Atkinson, and exclusive to the audiobook, as well as a bonus conversation between the author and Ty Seidule

A classic of its kind, The Long Gray Line is the 25-year saga of the West Point class of 1966. With a novelist's eye for detail, Rick Atkinson illuminates this powerful story through the lives of three classmates and the women they loved - from the boisterous cadet years, to the fires of Vietnam, to the hard peace and internal struggles that followed the war.

The rich cast of characters also includes Douglas MacArthur, William C. Westmoreland, and a score of other memorable figures. The class of 1966 straddled a fault line in American history, and Atkinson's masterly book speaks for a generation of American men and women about innocence, patriotism, and the price we pay for our dreams.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company

©2009 Rick Atkinson (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“The Long Gray Line is a profoundly moving saga in which the US Military Academy at West Point stands center stage. In mufti or olive drab, at peace or war, amidst joy or grief, in life or death, the academy shapes all. The author has captured its ethos. If you want to see a slice of the nation's manhood in a drama of troubled times and find its heart, feel its emotions, sense its dilemmas, then read this book. It is a stunning story.” (Colin L. Powell)

“Enormously rich in detail and written with a novelist's brilliance.... A very moving book.” (James Salter, The Washington Post Book World)

“A story of epic proportions [and] awesome feat of biographical reconstruction.... A difficult book to put down.” (Cullen Murphy, The Boston Globe)

Loved It

Wonderful story, well told, well read. Wish it had gone a little further in the lives of the main characters or at least some kind of epilogue. Really liked the interview with the author at the end.

Absolutely Wonderdul Book

Wow, what a story. What a book! After 30 years in the military myself and an additional almost 10 years as a civil servant working with the military, I thought I knew everything there was to know about our armed forces. I was wrong. this story is both heartwarming, heartbreaking, and everything else in between. I loved how such a complex history was personalized in such a way that it seems to tell the entire history story of West Point. It is one of the most informative and best books I've read.

Should be required reading

I feel so very fortunate to have stumbled across this excellent book. It does a fantastic job of educating the reader on the West Point experience, and also helping us understand what the commitment requires of our children on behalf of their country… and how it can be a very different experience for each. It gave me an insider’s view of army life for the officer corps by sharing the true life stories from the class of 1966. This book had a profound affect on me and I’m better for having experienced it. The Long Gray Line should be required reading for every American to help all of us appreciate the sacrifices our military personnel make to keep us safe and free.

Must read for any aspiring officer

I had the fortune to read The Long Gray Line in high school as I considered my options post high school. It inspired, informed and cautioned me as I chose the path of an army officer. I’ve now revisited it more than 20
years later and it means even more to me. The experiences, hopes, fears and aspirations of the class of 66 are as close to a universal experience for any army officer as exists. Anyone considering a stint in the military must read and reflect on this masterpiece.

The decades of sacrifice by veterans

Vietnam war was a generational war that continues to shape America. The 18 year olds in 1966 are now the 80 year old veterans who have endured not just the war but also have endured the post war changes in our country. The story of the battle for the Vietnam Memorial could stand alone as a reflection of our post Vietnam emotions.

A splendid historical account of honor, love, sacrifice and tradgety

I read the hardcover upon initial release and passed it off for others to enjoy. When it found it’s way back to me years later, I read it again. I just finished my third trip through the Audible version. I am still deeply moved by Mr. Atkinson’s stunning story of West Points Class of 1966.

Overall excellent

This was a great read overall. For me it became rather tedious in prolonged discussion of each year at West Point. I think it could have been shortened significantly without detracting from the overall narrative. The discussion of experiences in Nam was excellent as was the follow up after most members left the army. It made me curious what they are doing now (2021). Also more comparisons to earlier classes would have been nice. But overall an EXCELLENT discussion of what goes on at West Point. I would highly recommend this book.

Remarkable!!

A triumphant combination of reportage and writing. A true classic, memorable and haunting Downright brilliant

His First Book-It Stands With All the Others

I happened upon this book accidentally as Audible promoted it to its readers of military history. I have read his trilogy on World War II, which I found fascinating, so I ventured into this one. I have not been disappointed. I place it alongside his more renowned books. A great read.

An important look at USMA and the men it produced.

This is an excellent book by historian Rick Atkinson. It is not in the same vein as his superb 3 volume study of the US Army in Africa and Europe during WW2; it is a personal account of young men becoming warriors. A minor flaw - "Honky Tonk Women" came out in 1969, not in 1964. Of course, Atkinson could be referring to another song..

Anyway, a fine book.