Gods and Generals

A Novel of the Civil War

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

The New York Times bestselling prequel to the Pulitzer Prize–winning classic The Killer Angels

In this brilliantly written epic novel, Jeff Shaara traces the lives, passions, and careers of the great military leaders from the first gathering clouds of the Civil War. Here is Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, a hopelessly by-the-book military instructor and devout Christian who becomes the greatest commander of the Civil War; Winfield Scott Hancock, a captain of quartermasters who quickly establishes himself as one of the finest leaders of the Union army; Joshua Chamberlain, who gives up his promising academic career and goes on to become one of the most heroic soldiers in American history; and Robert E. Lee, never believing until too late that a civil war would ever truly come to pass. Profound in its insights into the minds and hearts of those who fought in the war, Gods and Generals creates a vivid portrait of the soldiers, the battlefields, and the tumultuous times that forever shaped the nation.

Critic reviews

“Powerful . . . Though the story of the Civil War has been told many times, this is the rare version that conveys what it must have felt like.”—Chicago Sun-Times

“Compelling . . . a work of vivid drama and skill.”—The Dallas Morning News

“[Jeff] Shaara’s beautifully sensitive novel delves deeply in the empathetic realm of psycho-history, where enemies do not exist—just mortal men forced to make crucial decisions and survive on the same battlefield.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“Historical detail and depth of character carry the book, which examines the viewpoints and vulnerabilities of one of the most fascinating collections of military minds ever assembled on a single battlefront.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Shaara has created human beings of the myths and cold facts.”—St. Petersburg Times

Enthralling

As one who has never cared for the study of the war between the states, I found this extremely facinating. so much so that, I will be reading more from this author on this topic.

Loved it…very well done

The performance was very well done and the story was riveting. All of the books by Jeff Shaara that I’ve listened to are wonderful

Great Book

loved it much better than the movie. the book was very interesting and I will read it again

Great historic recount

I could not get enough of this story. Jeff Shaara tells an amazing and detailed account of the beginning of the Civil war from the POV of the officers and soldiers. Thank you Mr. Shaara

More than just the history..

Jeff reveals insights and opinions into what the great General may have been thinking and reflection upon during crucial moments in their lives - both militarily and personally. I found very entertaining with a lot of back-story (and sometimes a bit confusing) regarding military missions, personal politics and attack positions.

Would definitely recommend!