JEFF SHAARA'S CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS Discovering America's Hallowed Ground

Shaara explores eight spots he believes are essential destinations for historically minded Americans. Chronologically, from Shiloh to Appomattox, he explains what happened at each Civil War battlefield and why it was important, and then takes listeners on a tour of the area. This last is the weak part of an otherwise excellent audio as the listener does not necessarily have a map for referral. Robertson Dean does his best to make listeners see the many momentous events -- Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, for example. He has a Cronkite-like sincerity that gives way to emotion when he describes the scene at Lincoln's Gettysburg Address or the carnage at Antietam. This valuable listening experience should spark interest in visiting these sites and learning more about this pivotal event. J.B.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]