THE CIVIL WAR TALES OF AMBROSE BIERCE

Much of modern military fiction focuses on the technological aspects of war. Ambrose Bierce, himself a Union soldier who rose through the ranks, gives us a glimpse into the minds of soldiers while not neglecting the weapons they wielded. Bierce's tales highlight the many ironies in the Civil War conflict. Reader Miller, who also adapted these tales, has a deep, resonant voice, which brings out the many ironies: a brother kills a brother, a son his father. We can feel the tension of a captain in his first battle; we sense the awe and admiration a soldier has for an officer's single-handed challenge of entrenched Confederates. Miller's voice easily evokes officer, soldier and Southern gentleman. Anyone who likes Civil War fiction should listen to this work. M.T.F. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 97]