Terrible Swift Sword

The Centennial History of the Civil War, Vol. 2

De: Bruce Catton

Narrado por: Nelson Runger

Terrible Swift Sword (Vol. 2): The dismissal of George McClellan and the rise of Ulysses S. Grant.

©1963 Bruce Catton (P)1989 Recorded Books, LLC

It's Catton!

This is from his over all military history of the Civil War. His OTHER trilogy was about t Union eStern army. the Army of The Potomac.

My Dad was deeply effected even as a boy when Union Veterans who were neighbors would tell of the war as they sat and rocked on a porch next door to the house where Dad's family lived. There eager reverence for comrades AND enemy soldiers lot Dad's eyes and ignited a devotion to Civil War history.

Bruce Catton had the same good fortune. In lectures my father gave and in Catton's writing that eager devotion to the people of America and their stories was evident.

Catton wrote with strict adherence to principles of reporting. Facts. And both he and Dad ALSO had a warm feeling for the individual soldiers and their families. The combination of Journalism ethic and Human carding makes for electrifying,,, and trust worthy,,, reading and listening.

Incredible narration by Nelson Runger

didnt think I would get into this book... I was absolutely wrong! now I have to finish the series.

Classic

Narrator was excellent and concise. Still holds up despite its age. A classic. Terrific book.

A decent trilogy with good information

The three books are filled with good information which may not be well known. I find the "clicking sound the narrator makes annoying.

No Better History of the Civil War

I have enjoyed Bruce Catton's trilogy of the Civil War since it came out in the 1960's. I still have the dog-eared paperbacks (priced $1.25 so you know how old they are) and am always tempted to pick them up and re-read this shining historian.

This is the middle of the three covering the major battles and strategies following the opening battle of Bull Run, which is detailed in "The Coming Fury". Mr. Catton covers all the different theaters of the war - including the stratgies of both North and South in dealing with the one major power of the time - Great Britain.

Mr. Catton is a master of narrative and story. We all know how this issue was resolved in the end, but the details and personalities of some of the players who have faded into the mists of our collective memory come alive in his expert hands. The growing influence of George McClellan and his ultimate hold on the Army of the Potomac, the battle-tested drinker U.S. Grant, the almost ubiquitous Benjamin Butler - all these major and minor characters come to life in this wonderful history.

This is America's defining moment of the 19th Century and Bruce Catton describes the hardships and heartaches and heroism that our country experienced in this cataclysm.

This isn't some boring history of "just the facts". This is a great read, a wonderful story, and a master of history. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Bruce Catton in a league of his own.

Great narrative about critical time in US history. Catton brings to life the story and the characters. Brilliant story telling. Hard to turn off.

Fuitless Battles, Many Dead, Emancipaiton or Not

Terrible Swift Sword: The Centennial History of the Civil War, Vol. 2, by Bruce Catton, Narrated by Nelson Runger. This compilation is a mid-1960s, deep and rewarding dive into the pre, contemporary and post-civil war political milieu. In this, the second part of the three-book series, Mr. Catton provides an understanding of the early Civil War, the war’s objectified purpose, its initial skirmishes and battles, and the war’s effect upon American society.

This book provides a lot of information on the weak and infrequently purposeful personalities that conducted the Civil War. In addition, the manner in which the story is told; ever so easily captures your attention and keeps you - considering - what was this war really about?

Terrible Swift Sword teaches: Men, who participate in this world, have a duty to partake. Partaking is assessing and then letting go into action. Those are the men with the purposeful personalities, i.e. A. Lincoln and R. E. Lee. Then there are those who fail to assess and fail to go out and only procrastinate, i.e. such as self-proclaimed genius general G. B. McClellan. One of the truly great fools of all time.

As a result, you can read the trials and tribulations of our 150 years ago politicians and military commanders and get a broad understanding of how the generals conceived of, prepared for and managed their battles, and the politicians the affairs of state. What you learn you can apply to today’s happenings and understand the incompetence and callowness of today’s leaders by thinking back to our past leaders acts and undertakings. Yet, again, you can learn of true competence and strong courageous leadership as well.

Great listen

Anything by Bruce Catton is great. The narrator is excellent. The only issue I found is that I think this is an older recording and the volume and clarity seemed to come and go. I got used to it eventually but it was a little bothersome early on. Would still recommend this.

Brilliant

Continues this fantastic series covering the American Civil War from all angles in a remarkably engaging way.

Wonderful

Bruce Catton’s first two volumes of the Civil War bring characters to life after 160 years. Wonderful stories of the great schism that divided our nation in a battle over human freedom and dignity.