COMBAT: THE CIVIL WAR

Fans of detailed military campaigns will enjoy this collection of primary and secondary sources recounting Civil War battles in the words of the soldiers who fought them. It’s not an exhaustive account, but it is a notable book. Narrator Joe Barrett’s voice brings to mind a character from the Civil War era. He has a measured tone and a scratchy delivery that is the narrative equivalent of thick molasses running out of a jar. Barrett is successful because he varies his pitch to keep things interesting, and he has a wonderful ability to pause at just the right moment to let the author’s words make an impression. He also creates some memorable characters. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2011]