The Civil War : A Narrative : Fredericksburg to Meridian (Part 1 - Sixteen 1 1/2 hour cassettes)

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Summary: well worth the time
Review: I had always assumed that the publisher's blurbs comparing Foote to Edward Gibbon were overblown.But now, having a good part of the 3 volume _Civil War_ under my belt, I'm not so sure. Foote is impossible to put down for all of the reasons that are usually mentioned-- his novelist's skill at unpacking the concealed drama in events, his sympathetic but measured assessment of the Southern cause. But I find his voice unique in yet another respect. Above all else, he is able to paint a convincing picture of the ambiguities of genius without lapsing into the typical smugness with which famous heroes are often cut down to size. Under Foote's guidance, we witness countless screw-ups and unsympathetic careerist maneuvers by the likes of Lincoln, Grant, Lee, and Stonewall Jackson. Nonetheless, something truly great about each of these figures emerges in a convincing way. The portrayal of Lincoln is especially remarkable: with the goody-goody storybook facade of Honest Abe stripp! ! ed away, the picture emerges of a more complicated risk-taker and a statesman equal to anyone in ancient Greece or Rome. Finally, Foote does an excellent job with transitions. There is a well-timed oscillation between the fronts of the East and West, and a nice balance between geopolitical events and the tiniest details of forgotten minor battles. His account of the Merrimack-Monitor ironclad battle turns a well-known piece of schoolchild trivia into one of the most chilling anecdotes in world history. The net result of reading these volumes is that I am far more fascinated than ever before by the idea of being an American.

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Summary: Re-live the Civil War
Review: These three books offer a scholarly non-fiction account of the CIvil War, yet it reads as easy and as refreshing as a novel. Immensely enjoyable, readable, and rigorous, never has 3000+ pages gone so quickly.

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Summary: Shelby Foote is the Greatest!
Review: "The War" above all, is writing at the highest level. Mr. Foote is first a reader, and fine reviewer of books. His credible views on Literature have guided my reading list for years. Shelby Foote's Civil War: A Narrative (of which I have a signed copy) is wonderful to read because it is a masterpiece written by a professional. If only his writing would some how continue. We readers look for Two Gates to the City to continue the flow of his smooth layed-back narrative "War". He is the Greatest!

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Summary: A masterpiece of insightful history-telling.
Review: Shelby Foote's "The Civil War: A Narrative" is remarkable in its complete, yet concise, coverage of the 1861-1865 conflict. With his skill as a novelist, Foote illustrates just how exciting and engrossing U.S. history in general, and Civil War history in particular, can be.

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Summary: The definitive narrative of America's civil war
Review: What separates Foote's narrative from most other retellings of America's War Between the States is the way he tells it: readers don't seem to see this as merely reading a remote account of the war; rather, they get the sensation of sharing in the experience as it unfolds. It's almost as though Foote can put us there to experience it ourselves, for Foote excels at telling stories - TRUE stories - and brings history alive in this fashion. If you want the definitive HISTORY of the war, you can access the 128 volume 'War of the Rebellion' and the 30 volume 'Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies', issued by the government in 1880-1901 and 1897-1927. But if you want to read the best STORY of the war, read Shelby Foote.

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Summary: The best of Civil War writing.
Review: If you are at all interested in civil war writing, or great historical writing, read this three vol. set. Although I spent all summer reading it, I plan to read it again at least once more. Foote mentions that the civil war involved almost 10,000 individual engagements, I would imagine he mentioned most of those in his tome and gives in depth narrative and analytical treatment to all of the significant battles, decisions and strategic situations that defined the civil war period. Believe it or not, its a great beach book. The writing is that good.

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Summary: Thorough and thoughtful
Review: After viewing Ken Burns' PBS documentary on the Civil War, who could forget Foote. His extensive knowledge of the entire Civil War as well as the numerous anecdotal stories make this an enjoyable read. While the three volumes are lengthy, they are a must for anyone seriously interested in the Civil War.

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Summary: If only high school taught history like this...
Review: This series is, without a doubt, one of the greatest works ever by any historian on any subject. Mr. Foote brings events and people alive with his colorful language and eye for the smallest details. Whether he is describing the troops movements at Shiloh, the greed and corruption of politicans, or a youthful twinkle in a young general's eye, Foote never fails to keep his reader interested.

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Summary: Great historical drama
Review: If you wish to learn about the inner workings of the Civil War, this is the book. The author seems to get into the minds of the participants. If you saw Ken Burns' Civil War, you know Shelby Foote. He writes just like he talks on that show. This is a great book, but plan a while to truly digest it!

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Summary: Best Civil War Book I've Ever Read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: Shelby Foote has brought us the best book on the "War Between the States." First he explains the many causes of the war, and then takes you step by step through each battle of the war. There are 2 other books in this set so REMEMBER to read them also! If you are a serious student of the war or you enjoy American History, then you should DEFINITELY read these! Or if you want to read a good piece of literature then read this book