The Red Badge of Courage

By: Stephen Crane

Narrated by: Jim Roberts

Length: 4 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

This classic war novel is Stephen Crane's most famous work. It is considered by many critics to be the greatest war novel ever written. The setting is the civil war, and the hero (or anti-hero as it seems at first) is Henry Flemming, a young Northern boy who, swept up in the patriotic tide, joins the Union Army. He is plunged into the conflict, and his courage fails him - he runs from his first battle. He finds out later that his side was victorious, and he feels that he will never be able to face himself or his comrades again. Then, after being wounded and through a series of memorable events, he finds that he is not alone and slowly recovers his courage in time for a crucial confrontation. This is one of the most realistic war stories ever written and gives a striking depiction of how soldiers behave under fire.

Public Domain (P)1980 Jimcin Recordings

Critic reviews

"This production features fine diction and timing from a narrator who is thoroughly comfortable with the text and delivers a dramatic and stirring reading." ( Booklist)

Classic text, boooooring narration.

I've read this novel before so I was familiar with the story; it's a little dated by today's standards but still a very enjoyable classic. I was very disappointed, however, in the narration in this particular audio version -- to call it dead-pan and lifeless is being kind. It's a story about battle and life-and-death conflict, both mental and physical! This narrator sounds like he's reading the New York Stock Exchange ticker tape.

Poor recording

The recording was bad... very disappointing! Story itself was not my cup of tea either.

Classic story...terrible recording.

This is a classic story I missed reading in high school.
I was happy to check it out here.

The recording is terrible. It sounds muffled at times, then it switches to being clear.

With my Bose headphones you can hear noise in the background of the narration.

read rebel yell instead

if you are looking for a good Civil War Book don't read this one read Rebel Yell it is way better. the narrator did an amazing job considering.

Great for classroom use

I used portions of this in my classroom while covering this book.
The kids loved it and it led to some lively discussions.
Very well done version of this book.