Four Years in the Stonewall Brigade

By: John O. Casler

Narrated by: Brian Holsopple

Every memoir of the American Civil War provides us with another view of the catastrophe that changed the country forever. But this is one of the clearest and most informative ever put into audio.

As a commander in Stonewall Jackson's brigade, John Casler experienced all the horrors and comedy of the American Civil War. His time was not so different from his countrymen on the other side, with the exception of point of view.

"I was no secessionist and hoped the trouble would be settled without recourse to arms; but when the war came, I shouldered my musket on behalf of my native state and defended her to the last."

Drawn from his diary at the time, Casler recounts his experiences in the ranks, from marches and looting to nail-biting escapades and the monotony of life as a prisoner of war. Four Years in the Stonewall Brigade is a remarkable account of men in war, graphically bringing to light the challenges they faced on a daily basis.

©2016 John O. Casler (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Trudged through to get the good bits

It was a tough listen but there were very interesting parts. For real history buffs like myself it is worth sticking it out. If your looking for anything else, still stick with it if you can. You could listen a little here and there.

excellent primary source

it is refreshing to hear an account of the war from someone who lived it, and not simply researched it. I reccomend this to any and everyone who wants to know what life was like during the war and to get perspective of those who lived through it, not just those who judge what happened 100 years after.

A rebel and an American Patriot

The author fought for the CSA but when he wrote the book in the early 20th Century he was an American patriot and saw no contradiction. It's good to hear these men talk of what they actually thought rather than impose beliefs upon them. I marveled at the good things he described: coffee, flour, sugar and cornmeal. It's a different world and one well worth visiting.

Great read!

I love these detail oriented tellings of personal experiences during a pivotal time in American History.It humanizes events like nothing else can.

Great book

Regardless of politics, this is a great book and the performance was excellent. Highly recommended to anyone with interest in that time period.

The story of a Johnny Reb

It was so nice to read about the Civil War from the perspective of a private’s experience rather than a general’s memoirs. I almost passed on this one because the Audible Summary said it was written by a commander. Far from it! Confederate Private John O Casler’s account of his service really gives you a taste of the day to day soldier’s life. He recalls the hardships and drudgery, but also the mischief and and adventures he and his comrades had. I have have extensively read about the Civil War and I am certainly glad I read this man’ story!

Good glimpse into the soldier's struggles

There is a lack of personal accounts of the civil war, specifically of the lower ranks. Of course generals and other leaders had the resources to publish their works, but it's not often you'd find a simple soldier's story.
This book was obviously written many years following the war. The author had good recollection of events, but it may have been even more dramatic if written immediately after the war.

wow!

I didn't realize what I was getting into! this was a great first person experience in a war that is horrifically undertaught. I found myself holding my breath during multiple stories, because.... just listen to this book. it is amazing

A superb memoir...

that transcends a simple War Story. Whether by design or just the luck of a natural raconteur, Private Casler manages to enlighten on almost every aspect of a Civil War Soldiers life. His experiences as an infantry man, Pioneer Corps engineer, forger/raider, prospective cavalrymen and prisoner are both amazing and enlightening. His story is told without rancor and in the spirit of reconciliation. This is not a peroration of an unreconstructed savage, but the story of a noble, devoted and patriotic (Southern) American. The PC history revisionists would do well to listen and learn.

Good one 👍

Loved this book very much background information. Good book for much trivia information enjoy it very much.