William Tecumseh Sherman

In the Service of My Country: A Life

De: James Lee McDonough

Narrado por: David Drummond

General Sherman's 1864 burning of Atlanta solidified his legacy as a ruthless leader. Yet Sherman proved far more complex than his legendary military tactics reveal. James Lee McDonough offers fresh insight into a man tormented by the fear that history would pass him by, who was plagued by personal debts, and who lived much of his life separated from his family.

As a soldier, Sherman evolved from a spirited student at West Point into a general who steered the Civil War's most decisive campaigns, rendered here in graphic detail. Lamenting casualties, Sherman sought the war's swift end by devastating Southern resources in the Carolinas and on his famous March to the Sea. This meticulously researched biography explores Sherman's warm friendship with Ulysses S. Grant, his strained relationship with his wife, Ellen, and his unassuageable grief over the death of his young son, Willy. The result is a remarkable, comprehensive life of an American icon whose legacy resonates to this day.

©2016 James Lee McDonough (P)2016 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"McDonough has produced an exhaustive biography told with considerable narrative skill." ( Publishers Weekly)

Excellent.

interesting and pertinent info on the General, well presented. I learned a great deal, and I've read about the war extensively.

William Tecumseh Sherman

A gripping biography with an excellent performance. Easily my favorite book I've listened to on audible.

Less than optimal narration

Fascinating subject, well researched. But the narrator sounds almost artificial, like someone speaking the words but not understanding their content.

Loved it!

In light of all of the recent destruction of and uproar over all things confederate, I am taking it upon myself to learn more about the critical time that was the American Civil War and those figures that were prominent on both sides. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learning more about “Uncle Willy.”

Great American in context

It is easy to either ignore the faults of our American "heroes," or over-emphasize them until they become a sort of villain. The antidote I think is seeking to grasp their real contexts. This book does an admirable job in that regard. Sherman's greatness and his flaws are all on display here in a detailed and entertaining accounting of his life. I enjoyed this book and hope you will, too.

Fantastic

A fantastic biography. Doesn’t get lost in mindless facts and really tells a factual and informative story.

Insightful

A must-read for Civil War enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone intrigued by the complexities of leadership and war.

Very comprehensive!

I’m endlessly fascinated by the Civil War and in particular with Sherman. I found this biography well done- very interesting and comprehensive. I loved everything about it except for the narrator. Something about his reading style sounds synthetic- almost like AI. I’m glad I didn’t let that prevent me from listening because it’s a great book, but the narrator voice was kind of odd.

Fascinating read about a fascinating historical figure

Well researched and entertainingly told, this biography will satisfy civil war buffs as well as those who are just curious. Highly recommended.

Three Cheers and a Tiger!!!

Sherman is, was, and ever shall be (to me), the greatest Civil War General this country has seen. He didn't have the bravado of any brass from the Army of the Potomac, and he didn't have the chivalry of those in the CSA. He was a driven "War is Hell" leader who brought the savagery of the Civil War to the people, thus essentially ending the war, and without him, I doubt the boys in blue would've been home in 1865.

I'm an amateur historian and avid Civil War buff, and read plenty though am usually turned off by the Battles and Leaders type of stories which often lead into tactical summaries that drown the reader/listener in so many details relating to landscape and terrain, Corp, and Division strengths, and who was where, when rather than speaking to the reader from a one-on-one perspective. I prefer stories from the front lines, without the arm-chair General drivel which is often nothing more than exhausting dialog. This title is not that!

This book tells Sherman's story from the start, his life at West Point, his days in California, and then his transition back into the Army, and his life afterwards. And in each period, the detail of how he lived, and how he interacted with those around him is fascinatingly detailed. Nothing is left out. This is by far the most concise, interesting biography about Sherman I have read and am glad I found it. I enjoyed it thoroughly!

If you're looking for another book to add to your Civil War library, or want to read biography of a truly unappreciated American soldier, pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.