Chancellorsville

By: Stephen Sears

Narrated by: Richard Davidson

A former editor of American Heritage, Stephen W. Sears has collected a wealth of new sources for this definitive portrait of one of the most dramatic battles of the Civil War. Using scores of letters and diaries written by soldiers from both Union and Confederate armies, Sears’ narrative history seeks to strip away the gloss of later commentary and restore the battle of Chancellorsville to its original voices.

Chancellorsville is often touted as Robert E. Lee’s greatest victory. Prompted by a campaign that maneuvered brigades on both sides into complex positions, it culminated in the most intense hours of fighting in the entire Civil War. But when the battle was over, the price of victory had been high. Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded. Lee was committed to press north into more threatening odds.

In Chancellorsville, Stephen Sears carefully traces the movements of both armies and offers fascinating vignettes of daily life within the ranks. Looking at issues from horse fodder to critical military strategy, he examines the personal and military cost of this historic clash of armies.

©1996 Stephen W. Sears (P)1997 Recorded Books

Great Book held back by narrator.

Great book, however glaring mispronunciations ultimately keep this book from 5 stars. Short lived pronounced Lived with a long I. Darious mispronounced. Often. Love the Sears books, this one deserved a better narrator.

A Great Book

Stephen Sears digs into the logistics of the battle along with the tactics and politics. It is the logistics that separates him from so many other authors. This doesn't mean it's boring. It has a whole new layer to the tales of this battle.

One of Sear’s Best

As with his book on Antietam Sears captures the ebb and flow and the maneuver and bravery of the Battle of Chancellorsville. Hooker vs Lee and Jackson. Brought to life in Wilderness of Virginia. You are there!

Engrossing

If you could sum up Chancellorsville in three words, what would they be?

Lee's greatest victory

What did you like best about this story?

Brilliantly told story of one of the most complex campains of the Civil War .Well detailed and researched . Anyone no matter what their level of knowledge of civil war history will find this book entertaining .

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

I haven't listen to any of his books before . But I fiound his unusual and dramatic style entertaining and added greatly to my enjoyment of this book. I think the narrator is one of my very favourites .

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

yes

Great book on the battle.

Well read and great writing! very happy with the purchase. I plan on grabbing more of Sear's books.

Well done!

A very complicated campaign fought over many days and between two armies led by flawed and colorful men, But Sears conveys it in a way that is easy to follow and brushes aside misconceptions to give the reader a clear picture. Definitely recommend to the Civil War enthusiast.

It's a Wonderful Tool

What made the experience of listening to Chancellorsville the most enjoyable?

It taught me a lot about the differences between the Union & Confederate armies. It's a good management tool besides an excellent history lesson

What about Richard Davidson’s performance did you like?

He's a good narrator. His voice is not too tiring.

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

May 2rd, 3rd & what the Union army did at Fredrickburg

Any additional comments?

If I were teaching a class in Management, I would make this book required reading & I would include many test questions from this book at Final exams.

Very informative

Good listen to a fascinating tale., Well read showing of American history that put much in perspective. Well placed words sent home both north and south. Should awaken our historical past and put in real prospect of what has transpired.

Good read

Narrative style, details on key general moves made for great story. South outclassed every Union general until US Grant ground the south to dust.

Long, Not bad

But I am finding these war novels, with lots of map and geographical information is tough to follow by ear.