THE TRAINING GROUND Grant, Lee, Sherman, and Davis in the Mexican War, 1846-1848

The Mexican-American War not only preceded the Civil War, but trained many of the officers who fought in it. The author chronicles the environment, the men, and the battles to win the American Southwest. It is prescient to see how Robert E. Lee's contributions and experiences in Mexico refined his later brilliance as a Confederate general. The story adapts well to audio; the narrator, Robertson Dean, makes it enjoyable and easy to understand with his deep voice and articulate diction. His skillful treatment of the little asides and details, such as the battle with the sand fleas at Veracruz, adds to the impact for the listener. Although Dean's Spanish sounds very "American," the small fluffs don't distract from the excellent narration. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 08]