Jeff Shaara's Civil War Battlefields

Jeff Shaara combines accounts of important Civil War battles with recommendations on what to see at 10 famous battlefields, including Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Gettysburg. Robertson Dean gives Shaara's writing an understated delivery that doesn't draw attention to itself, but always stays interesting and conveys Shaara's attitude of fascination and reverence toward his subject. Each battlefield description is divided into a historical essay and a travel guide. Shaara's advice on must-see highlights will help listeners get the most out of a battlefield trip. Thus, the book is well suited to the audio format, and listeners will want to take it along as they tour the sites covered. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

Shaara explores eight spots he believes are essential destinations for historically minded Americans. Chronologically, from Shiloh to Appomattox, he explains what happened at each Civil War battlefield and why it was important, and then takes listeners on a tour of the area. This last is the weak part of an otherwise excellent audio as the listener does not necessarily have a map for referral. Robertson Dean does his best to make listeners see the many momentous events -- Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, for example. He has a Cronkite-like sincerity that gives way to emotion when he describes the scene at Lincoln's Gettysburg Address or the carnage at Antietam. This valuable listening experience should spark interest in visiting these sites and learning more about this pivotal event. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine