Traveller

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Examines the events of the Civil War through the eyes of General Robert E. Lee's closest companion and devoted horse, Traveller.

355 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 12,1988

About the author

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Adams was born in Newbury, Berkshire. From 1933 until 1938 he was educated at Bradfield College. In 1938 he went up to Worcester College, Oxford to read Modern History. On 3 September 1939 Neville Chamberlain announced that the United Kingdom was at war with Germany. In 1940 Adams joined the British Army, in which he served until 1946. He received a class B discharge enabling him to return to Worcester to continue his studies for a further two years (1946-48). He took the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1948 and of Master of Arts in 1953.

He was a senior civil servant who worked as an Assistant Secretary for the Department of Agriculture, later part of the Department of the Environment, from 1948 to 1974. Since 1974, following publication of his second novel, Shardik, he has been a full-time author.

He originally began telling the story of Watership Down to his two daughters, Juliet and Rosamund, and they insisted he publish it as a book. It took two years to write and was rejected by thirteen publishers. When Watership Down was finally published, it sold over a million copies in record time in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Watership Down has become a modern classic and won both the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 1972. To date, Adams' best-known work has sold over 50 million copies world-wide, earning him more than all his other books put together.

As of 1982, he was President of the RSPCA.

He also contested the 1983 general election, standing as an Independent Conservative in the Spelthorne constituency on a platform of opposition to fox hunting.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
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100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Tried to like this, but to be honest, I simply couldn't get past the premise of a horse talking in a (frequently incorrect) southern dialect to a barn cat. It seemed rather far-fetched to me.

I understand that others may have loved it, perhaps finding the concept charming or entertaining. However, for me, the idea of talking animals just doesn't work. It fails to engage my imagination or hold my interest.

As a result, I did not finish the story. I couldn't bring myself to invest further in a narrative that started off on such a strange note. Maybe it's just a personal preference, but for me, this particular aspect was a major turn-off.

I'm sure there are many other great stories out there that can capture my attention without relying on talking animals in a dialect that doesn't quite ring true.
July 15,2025
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Honestly, I was truly relieved to have finally completed this book.

It was an extremely tedious read, perhaps mainly due to its narrative format.

The narrator being a horse with a thick Southern accent was indeed a creative touch, but it also had its drawbacks.

Traveller's viewpoint as a horse was extremely limited, which made it a bit of a struggle to fully engage with the story.

However, on the plus side, it was undeniably educational.

It provided unique insights into the life and perspective of a horse, which was quite interesting.

Despite the challenges in reading, I did gain some valuable knowledge from this book.

Overall, while it wasn't the most enjoyable reading experience, it did have its redeeming qualities.

I'm glad I stuck with it until the end.

July 15,2025
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This is the remarkable story of General Lee's horse, Traveller. What makes it truly fascinating is that it presents the narrative, particularly of the Civil War, from the unique perspective of the horse itself. Through Traveller's eyes, we gain a different understanding of the events and the turmoil that unfolded during that time.


Not only does it tell the story of the war, but it also vividly describes the deep and unbreakable bond between the horse and the man in grey, General Lee. Traveller was not just a means of transportation for the general; it was a trusted companion and a silent witness to his every decision and action.


The story of Traveller offers a fresh and engaging look at a significant period in American history, and it reminds us of the important role that animals have played in our lives and in the events that have shaped our world.

July 15,2025
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Really interesting look into the Civil War through the point of view of a horse.


The story offers a unique perspective, allowing us to see the chaos and turmoil of that era from the eyes of a creature that was an integral part of the conflict. We can imagine the horse's fear and confusion as it witnessed battles, heard the thunder of cannons, and felt the tremors of the earth beneath its hooves.


Through this horse's experiences, we gain a deeper understanding of the hardships endured by all those involved in the Civil War, not just the soldiers but also the animals that served alongside them. It makes us realize that war affects every living being, and that even the most unlikely of witnesses can have a story to tell.


This novel approach to depicting the Civil War adds a new layer of depth and emotion to the historical narrative, making it a truly engaging and thought-provoking read.

July 15,2025
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Most likely the best novel about Gen. Lee narrated by a horse.

This unique literary work offers a fresh and captivating perspective on the life and times of General Lee. Through the eyes of a horse, we are able to witness the events and emotions that shaped this iconic figure.

The story unfolds in a vivid and detailed manner, painting a rich picture of the Civil War era. The horse's narration adds an element of authenticity and charm, as it provides insights into the daily lives and struggles of both humans and animals.

Readers will be drawn into the world of Gen. Lee and his horse, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and adventures along the way. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in history, literature, or simply a good story.
July 15,2025
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Pretty good.

The concept was indeed quite strong. It presented a unique and interesting take on the American Civil War. The writing, for the most part, was of a good standard. It was engaging and managed to hold the reader's attention.

However, there were parts that seemed a bit silly. Maybe the author took some liberties with the facts or the way certain events were presented. But despite these minor flaws, it was still a good exploration of the American Civil War from a different perspective.

It offered a fresh look at a well-known historical event and made the reader think about it in a new way. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a worthy addition to the literature on the American Civil War.
July 15,2025
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The Story of the Civil War through the Eyes of General Robert E. Lee's Horse

I am General Robert E. Lee's horse, and I have witnessed the turmoil and tragedy of the Civil War.

Every day, I carry my master into battle, feeling the tremors of the earth beneath my hooves as cannon fire booms and rifles crack.

I see the fear and determination in the faces of the soldiers, and I sense the weight of history that is being written with each passing moment.

General Lee is a great leader, but even he cannot escape the pain and loss that this war brings.

I have seen him weep for his fallen comrades and worry about the future of our country.

As the war drags on, I grow tired and weary, but I know that I must continue to serve my master and do my part in this conflict.

Perhaps one day, peace will return to our land, and the sacrifices that have been made will not have been in vain.

Until then, I will remain by General Lee's side, a silent witness to the story of the Civil War.
July 15,2025
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I read this a few years ago and was completely mesmerized by it.

It offers an encompassing look at the Civil War, but from a truly unique perspective - the eyes of General Lee's horse.

The creativity of this approach is truly remarkable, as it provides a whole new slant on the brother against brother war that we fought in the 19th century.

It allows us to see the events and the emotions of that tumultuous time in a way that we never have before.

We get to experience the war not just from the perspective of the soldiers and generals, but from the animal that was an essential part of their lives and their campaigns.

It is a fascinating and engaging read that brings history to life in a whole new way.

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