Landscape Turned Red: The Battle of Antietam

Unabridged
Author: Stephen W. Sears
Narrator: Barrett Whitener
Genres: History, Americas
Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks
Date: March 2006
Length: 13 hours
Ratings:
Formats:
  • CD

Overview

Winner of the Fletcher Pratt Award for Best Nonfiction Book about the Civil War

The Civil War battle waged on September 17, 1862, at Antietam Creek, Maryland, was one of the bloodiest in the nation’s history: On this single day, the battle claimed nearly 23,000 casualties. In Landscape Turned Red, the renowned historian Stephen Sears draws on a remarkable cache of diaries, dispatches, and letters to recreate the vivid drama of Antietam as experienced not only by its leaders but also by its soldiers, both Union and Confederate. Combining brilliant military analysis with narrative history of enormous power, Landscape Turned Red is the definitive work on this climactic and bitter struggle.

Reviews (1)

Good Book but...

Written by Anonymous from Woodbine, MD on January 6th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 3/5

One of the fascinating aspects of this book is the personal observation and accounting of the battle by the soldiers and civilians who were there. Quotes from letters, interviews, dispatches, diaries, etc., are liberally used throughout the book to bring life to the facts and figures. Unfortunately, the facts and figures are harder to follow. Perhaps the printed edition contains a glossary and/or maps, but I found it difficult to follow the strength, positions, and movements of companies, brigades, and divisions simply by listening. It became easier as I got into the rhythm of the narrative, however, and it was a compelling story regardless. My best advice for potential listeners is not to try to follow the details, but to take a panoramic view of the military aspect and give the stories of the people your sharper attention. It's well worth the time!