This is by far the most comprehensive and invaluable podcast on American history I have come across. I am forever grateful for access to Mr. Blight’s master class and have no doubt I will return to it time and time again. Absolutely stunning level of in depth level research available at zero cost!

Captivating. I binge-listened to this.

David Blight is one of our finest historians. If you’re interested in the antebellum period, the coming of the Civil War, and Reconstruction, this is for you. Also listen to Eric Diner’s lectures on Reconstruction.

Timely as ever. Super lecture series. They are professionally produced & Prof Blight is a pleasure to listen to. And to Mr Filmore: Save the liberal academia shtick & stick w Fox & Bill for your ‘history’ since the ‘bias’ hurts your little head.

Blight’s command over the material is stunning. Highly recommend reading his book “Race and Reunion.”

David W. Blight details this complicated era of US history with a diversity of material and a breadth of knowledge and perspective. Professor Blight left me eager to continue learning. I have purchased and begun reading David Blight’s books on the subject. Thank you Yale for providing this valuable educational material to me for free.

As a Canadian with only cursory knowledge of this topic, I was spellbound. This is an excellent series that provides a powerful picture of a pivotal time in American history. I have started listening to it again as I’m sure I didn’t take it all in the first time. Thank you for making this podcast available.

Dr. Blight is a wonderful lecturer who discusses history in a way that is simultaneously thought provoking and informative. I truly look forward to listening to this and now want to read everything he’s written. It is also fun to hear references to current events in 2008 (when this was recorded) every now and again :D

Very thorough, eye-opening account of the events that resulted in the Civil War, the war period, and the ideals, resistance and collapse of efforts to build a new, equitable southern society after the war.

Just a great historical review of the pre, during and post Civil War era. Must listen

A spectacular account of the period immediately following the American Civil War. The lecturer makes it very interesting and his delivery is engaging and refreshing.

Love that he sometimes addresses actual history but besides loving hearing himself talk he is nearly impossible to follow. He’s a victim of higher education that raises more questions than answers. I did learn something for that thanx!

Fascinating. Often I'm just stunned as Professor Blight takes us to the mindsets of the 'actors' during this era. Thank you so very much for sharing these lectures.

The Prof’s knowledge is encompassing. AND, one of the best things about him is the tone of his voice. Perfect for a podcast.

I have listened to professor Bright’s lecture many times over the past few years and are quite simply incredible. His insight, thorough knowledge of the war and it’s aftermath is amazing. I have been at times been left in tears. Dr. Goes often into information beyond the scope of a normal history lesson which I especially enjoy.

Especially southerners.

This is an excellent lecture series, and I am very grateful that Prof Blight and Yale offered it to the public. Thank you all. Prof Blight’s use of literature- the poetry, novels, letters- made the lectures especially rewarding.

Makes history come alive in a way Ken Burns could only dream of. The best. Ever.

If this is your first foray into the Civil War, welcome virgin! Civil War scholars can often seem extreme in their tactfulness. The Great Professor Foner, while radical in thought, is as gentle as a Kindergarten teacher. (In the best way imaginable.) Dr. Foner has no rough edges. Prof. Blight is all edge, and it's a beautiful thing. He crosses gallows humor with a sometimes childlike glee, and best of all, he makes it work. I think this class is entertaining enough for novices - (although my perspective on that is at least slightly suspect at this point) - but what I loved most was the buffet of new areas laid out to explore beyond the class.

This captivating, compulsively listenable series will leave you stunned.

I am an avid reader of Civil War history and I found a lot of new material presented by Prof. Blight. He is very knowledgable and informative. The only negative was his occasional personal political commentary, which detracts from an objective presentation otherwise. He also fails to inform the audience that the great immigration of Catholics during this period caused legitimate concerns, instead he laughs at the thought with the uninformed students. People back then were not stupid. The country was largely Protestant and had immigrated and settled the United States in part due to the violence and destruction caused by the religious wars in Europe and, most recently, the cause of the great British Civil War between Catholics and Protestants. Was that not a cause for concern that those historical animosities might migtrate to the US and create division and violence here? He also notes the "horribble Supreme Court decision" in 2000 regarding Bush vs Gore, which has nothing at all to do with the course, but it is again the seeping into the lecture of a bias not supported by analysis. I, for one, think the Supreme Court decided correctly as did the majority of legal scholars. Except the liberal Justices could not bring themselves to do the right thing and instead decided to support "their party's" nominee. Other than the political bias, which is endemic in acadamia, this is a first rate history lesson.

This is pretty great. A commuter like me or you take a Yale history class in 27 episodes. David Blight has a great voice and delivers lectures rich with detail. The Civil war is fertile ground for endless examination and this course will enhance your understanding of this epic American tragedy.