America at War

Concise Histories of U.S. Military Conflicts from Lexington to Afghanistan

By: Terence T. Finn

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

War-organized violence against an enemy of the state-seems part and parcel of the American journey. Indeed, the United States was established by means of violence as ordinary citizens from New Hampshire to Georgia answered George Washington's call to arms. Since then, war has become a staple of American history. Counting the War for Independence, the United States has fought the armed forces of other nations at least twelve times, averaging a major conflict every twenty years. In so doing, the objectives have been simple: advance the cause of freedom, protect U.S. interests, and impose America's will upon a troubled world. More often than not, the results have been successful as America's military has accounted itself well. Yet the cost has been high, in both blood and treasure. Americans have fought and died around the globe - on land, at sea, and in the air. Without doubt, their actions have shaped the world in which we live.

In this comprehensive collection, Terence T. Finn provides a set of narratives - each concise and accessible - on the twelve major wars America has fought. He explains what happened, and why such places as Saratoga and Antietam, Manila Bay and Midway are important to an understanding of America's past. Listeners will easily be able to brush up on their history and acquaint themselves with those individuals and events that have helped define the United States of America.

©2014 Terence T. Finn (P)2014 Tantor

Fabulous history of US wars

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes--interesting and concise look at wars/conflict. I was not generally interested in wars, but this book was a perfect description of how the wars started, how they progressed, and how they ended. More importantly, the author summarized and gave his opinion on who won and who lost and what other outcomes were significant.

What was one of the most memorable moments of America at War?

I was struck by the author's determination that dropping the atomic bomb in Japan actually saved lives because the Japanese would not otherwise have given up and more would die in battle.

What does Sean Pratt bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent performer--perfect way to present this material.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was struck by the author's determination that dropping the atomic bomb in Japan actually saved lives because the Japanese would not otherwise have given up and more would die in battle. Every story had a interesting perspective.

Great

Would you listen to America at War again? Why?

I think i would, maybe not in its entirety but it is a very well done book.

What other book might you compare America at War to and why?

I had just read 1776 by David McCullough and listened to 48 lectures on the civil war from the teaching company great courses series (offered on audible) prior to listening to this and from the thorough accounts in the former you can tell the author of America at War really did his homework to create a concise but still very rich accounts of each war.

Have you listened to any of Sean Pratt’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but i may check his stuff out. It was good. He speaks very slowly though and would listen at 1.5 speed without much difficulty.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. maybe 3 or 4 sessions would be best.

Any additional comments?

The book comes across very genuinely, a little dry but there are enough anecdotes and fact flourishes that keep you interested. the book was great until the Afghanistan 9/11 part towards the end the last chapter is not even worth listening to.

Good book

I liked how it took me through all of the conflicts we've been involved in.

Remember the past

Reviewing the past wars and remembering all the men and women that fought for our freedom!!