I just learned Shelby Foote died Monday

[Zomby Woof]

Damn! He was 88 though, so he lived a good full life.

My favorite Foote story: When once asked why he didn't have an editor, he said "I don't need one." His manuscripts rarely needed any substantial revisions. :D

He was THAT GOOD of a writer. No one chronicled the Civil War better, our "Iliad", as he called it. He was our Homer as a result.

The highlight of Ken Burns' documentary on the Civil War is just about anytime Foote was interviewed.

Rest in peace Shelby. You were part of the great tradition of southern storytellers, a genuine American icon.

[Fiona]

1. yes

I read about it yesterday. He was wonderful.

And 88 is more than most of us can expect. He lived well, and left a legacy.

[Zomby Woof]

2. I can hear his soft southern drawl when reading him

His matter-of-fact directness, as gentle as the wind through willows, and as ancient in its wisdom.

[Zuni]

6. I get that too

When I read his books, it was like listening to an old veteran telling stories about the war.

[roguevalley]

3. He is a great historian because you can actually read his books.

I will miss him. He cited my g-grandpa's regiment and I know more now than before.

[Zomby Woof]

4. ShelbyKick

[Zuni]

5. One of the best history books EVER written was his 3 part set on the

Civil War. It took him 20 years to write it, but it is perhaps the most complete history of that conflict ever published.
I read the whole damn thing---all three huge volumes, from cover to cover.
He is also a WWII veteran

:toast: to Shelby, one of the greatest historians America has ever produced.

[Patiod]

7. I'm planning on re-reading "The Stars in Their Courses"

this weekend. The timing is appropriate - July 1,2 and 3. May attempt the rest of the set this summer ("Stars" is only one chapter of one book).

Gorgeous stuff.

:toast:

Edit: I can still here his voice, on Ken Burns' "Civil War", describing Pickett's troops at the foot of the hill waiting to make their fatal charge, when a rabbit flushed out from the field and disappeared into the trees. He quoted a confederate soldier nervously joiking; "wish I was a li'l hare".

I found that so poignant

[Zuni]

8. The gettysburg chapter

most of his chapters could stand alone as books unto themselves.

Now that I learned of his passing, I may have to re-read some his stuff myself.

[Zomby Woof]

9. Good suggestion!

:toast:

[VOX]

10. I have a rare books-on-tape edition of "Stars," with Foote reading...

It is, of course, superb, to hear that chapter of the trilogy spoken in his voice. :thumbsup:

I'll will miss this gentleman. :cry:

[Parche]

11. shelby foote

His explanations in the videos are fantastic
he has a way with words and usage
It was a good series

[fishnfla]

12. There was an excellent obit in yesterdays NYT

he was one of a kind

[Felix Mala]

13. Too bad. He should have been in Civil War, more

The kookie guy with the glasses and big ears was too over the top. Perhaps in tribute, Burns could re-edit into Shelby Foote's Civil War and include all footage he didn't use first time.

[bertha katzenengel]

14. He did?!

Damn. What a loss. Thanks for the education, Shelby.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

15. I was at Gettysburg on the 130th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address

And he spoke, and I got to shake his hand, which was a thrill for me. I have his "Stars in Their Courses" on audiotape and listened to it in the car while we moved from Wichita to Pittsburgh. I just finally got around to purchasing "The Civil War" on DVD - will have to get it out and watch it for the 100th time. I will very much miss having him in the world.