Rebel Yell

The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson

By: S. C. Gwynne

Narrated by: Cotter Smith

Finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, the epic New York Times bestselling account of how Civil War general Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson became a great and tragic national hero.

Stonewall Jackson has long been a figure of legend and romance. As much as any person in the Confederate pantheon—even Robert E. Lee—he embodies the romantic Southern notion of the virtuous lost cause. Jackson is also considered, without argument, one of our country’s greatest military figures. In April 1862, however, he was merely another Confederate general in an army fighting what seemed to be a losing cause. But by June he had engineered perhaps the greatest military campaign in American history and was one of the most famous men in the Western world. Jackson’s strategic innovations shattered the conventional wisdom of how war was waged; he was so far ahead of his time that his techniques would be studied generations into the future.

In his “magnificent Rebel Yell…S.C. Gwynne brings Jackson ferociously to life” (New York Newsday) in a swiftly vivid narrative that is rich with battle lore, biographical detail, and intense conflict among historical figures. Gwynne delves deep into Jackson’s private life and traces Jackson’s brilliant twenty-four-month career in the Civil War, the period that encompasses his rise from obscurity to fame and legend; his stunning effect on the course of the war itself; and his tragic death, which caused both North and South to grieve the loss of a remarkable American hero.

easily the best book I've read.

I own the hard copy, and bought this to go through the book again in times I cant read (work).
you will not be disappointed.

Well written, but painfully biased

Great story teller and wonderful detail. It did become a bit cumbersome painting the Union army as completely incompetent and petty while excusing almost every poor aspect of the Confederates and particularly Jackson. I felt like the author glossed over the South fighting for the institution of slavery too much. Revisionist history at its worst.

Prepare To Love A Man You've Never Met

Would you listen to Rebel Yell again? Why?

My strongest recommendation. This wonderful documentary doubled my knowledge of the Civil War. Many facts figures, and anecdotes seamlessly joined into a most enjoyable package. Excellent narration, with the perfect voice and cadence.

The first 40-60 minutes lay the groundwork for the non-stop ride that follows. Strategy. Tactics. Interpersonal relationships. Living conditions. Politics. Morale. Detailed battle descriptions - lots of battles. Courage - lots of courage.

Grab a map, sit back, and prepare to be entertained, educated, even amazed. And be ready to love a man you’ve never met.

Great History, Great Man, Great Biography

which comes as little surprise, considering the subject, SC Gwynne’ continues to prove he is immune from both agenda or PC scholarship.. His most excellent “Empire of the Summer Moon” was my introduction to his excellent chronicling and Rebel Yell won’t be my last. In the face of today’s virtue signaling revisionism, the Man, the Author and the History are exalted in this book I wish I could give 10 Stars.

Wouldn’t recommend

I wasn’t a fan of the author’s writing style. Unnecessarily complicated. Lots of “If this, then that” statements. Would’ve preferred more straightforward writing. Maybe I’m just a simpleton.

Cotter Smith’s narration is monotone, and he uses this inflection style that softens every word before a pause and the last word of every sentence. Listen to the sample and you’ll hear it. If he were to narrate the sentence, “The sky is blue, and there are no clouds,” the words ‘blue’ and ‘clouds’ would drop in volume as he spoke them, making them hard to understand. It’s a bothersome narration style and not very easy to listen to.