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Shelby Foote’s Civil War Series
Posted on 5/8/23 at 1:35 pm
Posted on 5/8/23 at 1:35 pm
I’m looking to start a comprehensive Civil War read and came across this series of books while researching. Any thoughts on this or any other suggestions? TIA
This post was edited on 5/8/23 at 1:39 pm
Posted on 5/8/23 at 1:54 pm to Rum Ham
It’s a commitment, but a great, great read.
Posted on 5/8/23 at 3:45 pm to Rum Ham
For a comprehensive multi-volume view of the war, this is the starting and ending point.
It is also the content foundation for, arguably, the greatest documentary of all time (Ken Burns' Civil War.)
It is also the content foundation for, arguably, the greatest documentary of all time (Ken Burns' Civil War.)
Posted on 5/8/23 at 6:29 pm to Rum Ham
Oddly enough at the library Saturday , I grabbed book 1.. and walked around and put it back because I didn’t want to commit to it as that would probably take me several months to read the trilogy.. maybe over the summer I will
Pull the trigger
Pull the trigger
This post was edited on 5/8/23 at 6:30 pm
Posted on 5/8/23 at 11:23 pm to Rum Ham
Start it and you won’t be disappointed
Posted on 5/9/23 at 9:51 pm to Rum Ham
I read the whole thing and it is the definitive work on the Civil War.
Posted on 5/10/23 at 8:40 pm to Rum Ham
I clock a fair amount of windshield time. It’s one of my go to audible books.
I’ve read it twice in paper form, listened to it too many times to count. I like pick a random chapter or time to listen to when I have a long drive.
I’ve read it twice in paper form, listened to it too many times to count. I like pick a random chapter or time to listen to when I have a long drive.
Posted on 5/10/23 at 10:36 pm to Ace Midnight
quote:
It is also the content foundation for, arguably, the greatest documentary of all time (Ken Burns' Civil War.)
Aww. How precious..
Did the Ashokan Farewell violin music ripen your oh so innocent heart to take in this documentary of aggressive vile lies and propaganda??
And this book is not the basis whatsoever of that propaganda piece. Gross
Posted on 5/10/23 at 10:47 pm to Rum Ham
quote:
Any thoughts on this or any other suggestions?
100% read it.
Pay close attention to the many parts not included in the Ken Burns revision of the same conflict
Like the unfair tariffs, and taxation issues before the war, or the rapes, pillaging, and total war on civilians, during the war, etc etc etc Or vindictive martial law afterwards
Good starting point for sure
Posted on 5/11/23 at 6:16 am to Jefferson Dawg
quote:
aggressive vile lies and propaganda
That's pretty strong.
quote:
And this book is not the basis whatsoever of that propaganda piece.
I would like to see your support for that. Foote's entire premise that the war was a "failure to compromise" is the central theme of the documentary. He has more screen time than any other commentator in the series as well.
I stand by my assessment. Nothing is perfect, but to come at this particular work of Burns (I'm not a fan of everything he does) from this angle seems biased, IMHO.
Posted on 5/11/23 at 6:30 am to Rum Ham
I’m halfway through the series now. Gettysburg is just now breaking out. It’s a wonderful, very comprehensive book including battles I’d never heard of. What’s impressed me most so far is Foote’s ability to stay balanced. Because of that balance some call him a Confederate sympathizer but that’s not true. He just gives a true take of a side you’re not allowed to hear anymore.
Posted on 5/12/23 at 2:01 pm to Rubberbandman21
Well...it also doesn't help that Shelby Foote straight up said he would have fought for the Confederacy had he been alive for the Civil War. While some might find that controversial, it actually isn't. The man was born and raised in rural Mississippi just as I was born and raised in rural Alabama. Had I been alive during that time, it's a pretty good bet that I would have fought for the Confederacy too.
As for the books themselves, as far as a multi-volume military history of the conflict, there is none better. Highly recommend.
As for the books themselves, as far as a multi-volume military history of the conflict, there is none better. Highly recommend.
This post was edited on 5/12/23 at 2:03 pm
Posted on 5/12/23 at 7:50 pm to Rum Ham
A classic and comprehensive view of the war between the states. Well worth the commitment and time.
Posted on 5/13/23 at 3:00 am to Rum Ham
In my Civil War class in college, we read a couple of James McPherson books. I really like him.
The Hard Hand of War by Mark Grimsley was also very good.
The Hard Hand of War by Mark Grimsley was also very good.
Posted on 5/18/23 at 1:21 am to Jefferson Dawg
quote:Quite right. A lot of propaganda at the expense of history. Foote’s inclusion in Burn’s documentary did give it some legitimacy but it really revived interest in Foote’s Trilogy.
And this book is not the basis whatsoever of that propaganda piece. Gross
Posted on 5/18/23 at 1:32 am to Lawyered
quote:
maybe over the summer I will Pull the trigger
If you want to get your feet wet, the Gettysburg campaign and the Vicksburg campaign are excerpted from the larger volumes and offered as two slim books; respectively The Stars In Their Courses and The Beleaguered City.
The Stars In Their Courses
The Beleaguered City
Posted on 5/20/23 at 12:07 am to Rum Ham
Mate, I just started the audibooks myself and am happy to hear that it's narrated by Grover Gardener. He narrated all the major Gore Vidal works. Vidal is my very favourite author, and everyone ought to read his masterpiece "Lincoln".
Posted on 5/21/23 at 6:58 pm to Rum Ham
The Lost Cause by Pollard if you want the real truth.
Posted on 6/19/23 at 4:53 pm to Rum Ham
Is there an audiobook version by Foote? 'Cause I could listen to that guy talk about the Civil War all day long.
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