Rebel Yell

The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson

By: S. C. Gwynne

Narrated by: Cotter Smith

General Stonewall Jackson was like no one anyone had ever seen. In April of 1862 he was merely another Confederate general with only a single battle credential in an army fighting in what seemed to be a losing cause. By middle June he had engineered perhaps the greatest military campaign in American history and was one of the most famous men in the Western World. He had given the Confederate cause what it had recently lacked: hope. In four full-scale battles and six major skirmishes in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Jackson had taken an army that never numbered more than 17,000 men and often had far less, against more than 70,000 Union troops whose generals had been ordered specifically to destroy him. And he had humiliated them, in spite of their best efforts, sent the armies reeling backward in retreat. He had done it with the full knowledge that he and his army were alone in a Union-dominated wilderness and surrounded at all times. He had even beaten a trap designed by Lincoln himself to catch him.

How did he do this? Jackson marched his men at a pace unknown to soldiers of the era. He made flashing strikes in unexpected places, and assaults of hard and relentless fury. He struck from behind mountain ranges and out of steep passes. His use of terrain reminded observers of Hannibal and Napoleon. His exploits in the valley rank among the most spectacular military achievements of the 19th century.

Considered one of our country’s greatest military figures, a difficult genius cited as inspiration by such later figures as George Patton and Erwin Rommel, and a man whose brilliance at the art of war transcends the Civil War itself, Stonewall Jackson’s legacy is both great and tragic in this compelling account, which demonstrates how, as much as any Confederate figure, Jackson embodies the romantic Southern notion of the virtuous lost cause.

©2014 S. C. Gwynne (P)2014 Simon & Schuster Audio

Brings Stonewall to Life

This book does a beautiful job of showing the man, his motivations, and his significance to our history. The narrator's performance is top-notch.

great book about a great man

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

Informative interesting inspiring

What did you like best about this story?

What a good Christian man can do.

What about Cotter Smith’s performance did you like?

gave the story life

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

the whole story was good

Any additional comments?

.

Excellent book

This book went beyond anything I expected. I believe it is truly a masterpiece and should be read by all Americans. The only problem it that I hated for it to end. It was very moving and brought me to tears several times.

A very simplistic yet complicated man...

I'll keep it short because I truly could write an endless review... it's just that well done. A fascinating complicated man of intense faith. This biography was a page turner so to speak... I couldn‘t stop listening. A narrative rich in civil war detail. HIGHLY recommend. 5🌟

Incredible!

What an incredible book. I had a hard time leaving my car (I listen to my books while driving). Many an evening I would sit in my driveway to finish a chapter. Great writing and reading. If you think you know Stonewall Jackson - read this book and you will learn so much more!

Outstanding

The true life of a great man. Honor duty and country. Be more like this man.

Excellent

So well written. Was an incredible book and great narration. I highly recommend it. One of the best biographies I've read.

Intimate and Stirring

At first the methodical and deliberate reading seemed a bit odd, if not ponderous. But soon I came to appreciate the wise application of his voice and style to this complex, violent, passionate lover of God and family. The utilization of the "pause", however slight, encouraged reflective listening. I felt I was actually privileged to meet the General, and be part of his very select inner circle. Such a portrayal stirs my hope that, God - willing, I may some day richly enjoy my own interview with "Old Jack" when I join him across the river under the trees to rest a while.

Engrossing narrative, strongly recommended

Would you listen to Rebel Yell again? Why?

This is my first Civil War book. I knew enough about Jackson to suspect he would be an interesting subject. Gweynn did an excellent job with his story and the tragedy that unfolded around him. I became engrossed in this book very quickly and spent several nights staying awake into the late hours of the night reading it. I am giving it five stars because I will surely listen to it again.

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

Cotter Smith was a great narrator for this work. His voice seemed to fit the subject matter.

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

Yes. I usually listen to books at 1.5 speed. I took this one down to 1x speed so I wouldn't miss anything.

Any additional comments?

If you have any history in the Civil War and one of the world's most incredible military geniuses, then buy this book.

My most enjoyable listen to date.

Clearly the most enjoyable listen I have experienced​ to date. Through the authors informative style and first rate story telling learned more about this era in our history than I had gained in the last three books on the Civil War. The reading was exceptional and flawless. A book to keep and listen to again and again.