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Bust Hell Wide Open

The Life of Nathan Bedford Forrest

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An intimate biography of Nathan Bedford Forrest, arguably the most interesting figure to emerge from the Civil War - widely admired as a military genius.

At 14 he became the head of his impoverished family, responsible for feeding 11 on the rough American frontier. By 39 he had established himself as a successful plantation owner worth over $1 million. And at 40 years old, Nathan Bedford Forrest enlisted in a Tennessee cavalry regiment - and became a controversial Civil War legend.

The legacy of General Nathan Bedford Forrest is deeply divisive. Best known for being accused of war crimes at the Battle of Fort Pillow and for his role as first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan - an organization he later denounced - Forrest has often been studied as a military figure, but never before studied as a fascinating individual who wrestled with the complex issues of his violent times. Bust Hell Wide Open is a comprehensive portrait of Nathan Bedford Forrest as a man: his achievements, failings, reflections, and regrets.

©2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc. (P)2016 Samuel W. Mitcham Jr. American Civil War Military Military & War Civil War War Wild West Old West Biography
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A wonderful biography of a complex and divisive historical figure. Im not from the US but am intrigued by the american civil war. Nathan bedford forrest is certainly a remarkable man worthy of further study.

Fascinating story

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This is a really interesting look at the life of a controversial figure from the US civil war. While he must have been difficult to be around, this review is certainly one you’ll want to keep with you for a long time.

Wizardry in many saddles

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Nathan Bedford Forrest, a truly extraordinary man, a great leader of men, an exceptional strategist. Thanks to the author for bringing him to my attention. Thanks to the narrator for his reading, it was well done. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in the American Civil War.

A great read

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A well written book. Highly recommended for anyone interested in authentic historic accounts rather than the usual modern day demonization of the South and of the brave men who fought and died in defense of their homeland. Bedford Forrest, the Wizard of the Saddle, was probably the greatest of the generals on either side of the war, and this book is a good introduction into both his military genius and his character.

A fair & authentic portrait of CSA's best general<br />

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fantastic book. what a man. I only purchased out of curiosity. fascinating man. rekindled my interest in this period I'm history. very good book.

you have to give this a listen

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