Six Armies in Tennessee

The Chickamauga and Chattanooga Campaigns

By: Steven E. Woodworth

Narrated by: Bill Nevitt

When Vicksburg fell to Union forces under General Grant in July 1863, the balance turned against the Confederacy in the trans-Appalachian theater. The Federal success along the river opened the way for advances into central and eastern Tennessee, which culminated in the bloody battle of Chickamauga and then a struggle for Chattanooga. Chickamauga is usually counted as a Confederate victory, albeit a costly one. That battle - indeed the entire campaign - is marked by muddle and blunders occasionally relieved by strokes of brilliant generalship and high courage. The campaign ended significant Confederate presence in Tennessee and left the Union poised to advance upon Atlanta and the Confederacy on the brink of defeat in the western theater.

©1998 University of Nebraska Press (P)2017 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A fine analysis of strategic and tactical operations, stressing the influence of commanders on the success, or failure, of their armies." ( Kirkus)

"Concise and easily read... enables the reader to grasp the full significance of the whole campaign." ( Chattanooga Free Press)

Well Written, Well Narrated

As a history buff and researcher, I thoroughly enjoyed the way Mr. Woodworth wrote this material. It was a refreshing look at a critical time during the war. As an audiobook narrator and listener, I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Nevitt's delivery of the material. It is professional and well worth the listen. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the history of this time period. It does more than just give facts and dry details. Both men successfully brought this book to life for me. Being well acquainted with the Chatanooga area, the scenes unfolded for me in my mind's eye as I listened.

This audiobook was delivered to me free of charge at my request in exchange for my review.

great book for history buffs!

Great retelling of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga campaigns. Narration was exceptional...this book was a great companion on a road trip.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Magnificent Story Telling About Critical Campaigns

I received this audiobook as a complimentary copy in exchange for a fair review. That is exactly what I am offering below.
I am a Civil War buff; not an expert, but an avid and enthusiastic consumer of information.
I listened to the book on a road trip from Northern Virginia across WV, KY, IN and IL, passing by some of the places mentioned in the book. This made the narrative an even more personal experience for me.
The research appears to be comprehensive and the story parts well-integrated. It gave me a whole new perspective on the Tennessee campaigns. I know many of the places mentioned in the book and was fascinated by the history of place and people revealed. I have a much deeper insight into the motivations and circumstances for decisions made by the leaders and immediate subordinates of the Armies.
The narration is excellent, making listening an absolute pleasure. It was rather like sitting around the campfire trading stories with an old, very well-informed, friend.
I highly recommend this book.

Concise yet comprehensive

The Western theater of the American Civil War is one that does not receive the attention deserved of such a rich strategic, operational, and tactical nature. Woodworth’s treatment of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga campaigns is superb in its scope of setting the context and coverage of tactical actions necessary to understand the importance of this theater. This is a must read for any student of the American Civil War to understand the overarching strategy and operations in a complex environment.

The book covers tactical actions of river crossings, turning movements, complex terrain, and the political motivations for both sides in winning the important territory of Eastern Tennessee. Logistical problems plagued both sides. Lines of communication were critical and resources were scarce as adjacent theaters pulled attention. Command personalities and the trust of subordinates would be critical to winning the day. Ultimately the trust between Sherman and Grant and Grant’s keen eye for capable planners on the ground established the conditions for success. Meanwhile the Confederates under Bragg could not get out of their own way despite valiant attempts.

Short yet incisive. This work belongs kn the shelf of any student of war especially those seeking to understand the links between levels of war and the art of campaigning. Much like the Italian and Southeast Asia Commands in World War Two, this is an oft forgotten yet rich subject.

Interesting

While I’ve always loved historical fiction this is the first time I’ve listened to something like this. I wasn’t sure at first but I found it completely fascinating. How many times the war could have ended either sooner or with different results if generals had been better informed, had listened, or disregarded orders throughout the war. It’s not gory and quite an interesting listen. I would recommend this audible book.

Great insight into the Tennessee Campaign

This was very interesting because it shed light on the mindset of all parties during each Segment of the Campaign... From the top all the way down to Foot Soldiers... Since this was such an arduous and costly War... That insight is imperative to understanding the outcome. I suggest listening to this with a good Civil War Map of the region... as it helps to understand and distinguish the visual that brings the skirmishes alive. I bought a coffee table book that was reproductions of every skirmish of the Civil War... It was highly useful for this... As always, this Narrator does a great job.. This book was provided free of charge in exchange for a fair review of the book... Thank You!

amazing to listen to..

narrator is amazing. how they can explain
In such vivid details is amazing also. so many bad generals, how anyone survived?
went so quick. I got a free copy.

Great narrative

Clear story with attention on the command decisions in the fog of war. I was only vaguely aware of the troubled command relationships within the Confederacy. The dominance of geography in the maneuvers, skirmishes and battles comes through loud and clear.

A good overview of an important point in history

Unless you are an expert of this point in American History you are unlikely to have great knowledge of this time...
this Audio Book can offer you great insight into this period and teach you a great deal about this important time.

The Narrator handled the material well.



This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Good battle overview

This audiobook provides an overview of two Confederate and four Union armies that battle for Middle and Eastern Tennessee. I had very little prior knowledge of the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga before listening to this book. I found the content informative but a bit bland and looking at a map while listening would have helped my understanding. The narrator fit the story well, presenting the facts in a professional way and making the content more interesting. This book is a good introduction to the confusing battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga