The Training Ground

Grant, Lee, Sherman, and Davis in the Mexican War 1846-1848

By: Martin Dugard

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Nearly all of the Civil War's greatest soldiers - Grant, Lee, Sherman, Davis, and Jackson - were forged in the heat of the Mexican War. This is their story.

The Mexican War has faded from our national memory, but it was a struggle of enormous significance. It was the first U.S. war waged on foreign soil, and it nearly doubled the size of our nation. At this fascinating juncture of American history, a group of young men came together to fight as friends - only, years later, to fight again as enemies.

Full of dramatic battles, daring rescues, secret missions, soaring triumphs, and tragic losses, The Training Ground is history at its finest.

©2008 Martin Dugard (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Fills in some blanks, but not enough

I would have liked a bit more regarding how the characters used their knowledge of each other during the Mexican War against each other in the Civil War. Otherwise, nice insight into how they learned their trades.

Grant Was A 92Y, What?

First I'll go over the reader. I usually intend to audios at 1.25 or higher depending on the density of the content. The book isn't saturated with dates and over details military maneuvers. so listening at 1.50 was doable. Everything was pronounced clearly and I had enough time to mentally place the dates of events and visualize people and senses.

Now for the content itself, I believe another reader said it best take the books account with a grain of salt. No saying the author is lying about stuff. However, his interpretation of the events and rolls played by these leaders (on both) comes with a level of bias.

Nonetheless, even with the author's fan boy moments over Davis, I still think it's a book worth reading. If you're in the military (even none- commissioned side of the house) I believe these background stories shed some light how every general has to start somewhere. And any war can be sold to the public with a good narrative they can believe in.

In addition there are definitely tons of insightful and trivial pieces of information that would make for a intense game night for the hard-core pre-civil and civil war history buffs. Like who knew now that Grant was basically a 92Y,

Another great Mexican War Book

Thne author did a great job of following the life of Lee. Grant Davis and Longstreet. The book also covers the politics of Polk and the leadership of Taylor and Scott. Anyone how is interested in the Civil War will love this book

Excellent Story

Not a detailed history of the war, but a researched element of the conflict. For Civil War buffs, if you haven't read about the details of this conflict, you will miss the reason why your favorite General (blue or gray) is the way they were. The author keeps you focused on the reason for the story, not a diatribe on how the war was unjust. It will leave you wondering how this "band of brothers" could ever fight each other. Maybe there was something to 1860's state loyalty. Manifest Destiny has lost its meaning to modern scholars, but the future soldiers for and against slavery were trained for the horrific clash of the Civil War. The American character had been established 150 years before, but it was clearly demonstrated during the short 18 months war as told by the author. Even our enemies today would do well to study this American way of fighting before starting any future conflicts against the US.

The author would do well to write a definitive account of the Battle of Monterrey and/or Mexico City. Not one about the Campaigns, these have been done. No revisionism typical of modern histories, but recognizing the validity of Manifest Destiny of 1846. The bravery of both the American and Mexican soldiers deserve any detailed accounting of the war.

Very good review of the future leaders in Civil Wa

Very good detail typical of Dugard that help understand the life changing events for many future Civil War generals. The operations and responsibilities that caused these men to change, grow into what would soon develop. A good prep for the Civil War fan.