Traveler was an interesting storyline of the Civil War from the point of view of General Lee’s horse.

It offered a unique perspective that allowed readers to envision the events through the eyes of this noble creature. However, the use of dialect in the writing presented a significant challenge.

While I understand the reasoning behind its choice, as it added authenticity to the narrative, it made the text far more difficult to read. The unfamiliar language and grammar structures required extra effort and concentration, which at times disrupted the flow of the story.

Moreover, the book seemed to drag on far longer than it should have. Some scenes felt overly detailed and repetitive, causing the pacing to slow down considerably. As a result, my interest waned towards the end, and I found myself eager for the story to conclude.

Overall, while Traveler had its merits, it was not my most favorite read. The combination of the challenging dialect and the somewhat sluggish pacing detracted from the overall enjoyment of the book.

The dialogue in this book is truly horrible. It makes the reading experience rather unpleasant. Just because the story is told from the perspective of a horse doesn't mean that the grammar has to be bad and the descriptions difficult to understand. In fact, it could have been done in a much more engaging and coherent way. For me, this book couldn't come to an end soon enough. I was really surprised to find out that the author of the well-known and highly regarded Watership Down could write such tripe as this. It's quite a disappointment. I had expected much better from an author of this caliber. I hope that in the future, the author will return to the form that made Watership Down so beloved and produce works that are of a higher quality and more enjoyable to read.

The War Between the States, also known as the Civil War, was a momentous and tragic event in American history. Seen through the eyes of Robert E. Lee's horse, it becomes a unique and captivating perspective.

As the horse, I witnessed the chaos and destruction that ensued. The thunder of cannons, the cries of soldiers, and the smell of gunpowder filled the air. I carried my master, General Lee, across the battlefields, feeling his determination and the weight of his decisions.

I saw the brave soldiers on both sides, fighting for what they believed in. Some fell by my hooves, their lives cut short. The landscapes were torn apart, with fields and forests turned into wastelands.

Despite the horror, there were also moments of beauty and hope. The sunsets over the battlefields were sometimes breathtaking, as if nature was trying to offer a glimmer of solace. And through it all, I remained loyal to my master, carrying him through the storm and sharing in his experiences.

This is a story that offers a different view of the Civil War, one that reminds us of the sacrifices made by all those involved, both human and animal. It is a wonderful read that will transport you back in time and make you feel as if you were there.

Reminiscent of Black Beauty, this story offers a unique perspective as it is told from the point of view of General Lee's horse.

Traveller, the horse, takes us on a journey through his eyes, sharing his experiences and thoughts.

Although there are some parts where the narrative seems to ramble, overall, it is an engaging read that managed to hold my attention from start to finish.

The author does a great job of bringing Traveller to life, making us feel as if we are right there with him, experiencing the events of the war and the relationship with General Lee.

It is a fascinating look at history from an unexpected angle, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the Civil War or in stories told from the perspective of animals.

Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for an interesting read, this book is sure to satisfy.

I must address an issue I've noticed in reviews here and on other parts of the internet. Some people seem confused or even put off by the idea that this book glorifies the south. But how can one explain the obvious? Water is wet, the sky is up, and two and two make four. Traveller was General Robert E. Lee's horse, and the story is told from his perspective. If I were to read a book called Blondi about WWII seen through the eyes of Hitler's German Shepard, I would expect it to glorify the Nazi cause. If that's too much for me to handle, then I'd be better off not reading it. This is my advice for anyone considering reading this book: if you find the Confederacy so offensive that you can't view the Civil War objectively, then don't read it.

Who would have thought a Brit could capture the Virginian patois so well in print? I could hear Traveller's voice perfectly, and it sounded similar to my own. I was raised in Richmond, with rural roots and often spending time with relatives in the country, so this was a great thing. Well done, Mr. Adams.

Traveller may not be the smartest horse, but it's not really his fault. Not all equines can be as intelligent as Mr. Ed. Some of the other horses, like Little Sorrel, who understand battles better than he does, point this out to him from time to time. He begins his journey looking forward to the war everyone is excited about. (This was before Lee bought him.) He figures a war must be a wonderful place with lots of good food to eat, pastures to run through, and plenty of good rolling spots. However, at the end of the book, he laments that he never really gets to the war, even though he lives through the whole thing and tells the barn cat all about it over the course of a few years after the war is over. He's convinced that Marse Robert (his name for General Lee because that's what his slaves and servants called him) won the war and is now in charge of the whole country since he's still giving orders to people. (Lee at this point is president of Washington College, which would later become Washington and Lee University.) As far as I can tell, all the facts are presented accurately, but Traveller's point of view adds an amusing twist.

He's still scared of the blue men (his name for the Yankees) years later. I guess that's understandable after spending three years being shot at by them. He has his own names for most of the generals, which can sometimes be hard to keep straight, but it wasn't bad enough that I had to stop reading. Here are some of the more prominent ones: Stonewall Jackson - Cap in his Eyes (because he often wore his hat low), Longstreet - Old Pete (an actual nickname), Stuart - Jine the Cavalry (because he suggested Traveller would be great in the cavalry and should join it), A. P. Hill - Red shirt (you can probably figure this one out), and Pickett - Ringlets (due to his curly hair).

Though not as well known as the other Confederate generals, my favorite nickname was for General Borcke as Vot-You-Voz. Borcke was German and spoke with an accent Traveller couldn't understand. Traveller describes the battles to Tom the cat over the course of a few years after the war is over, covering all the ones Lee was involved in. However, they're not listed by name (except occasionally in asides), so if you're not familiar with the battles, this part would be really difficult to follow. Also, if you're not interested in Civil War battles, I can see how these parts would be repetitive and tedious, which is a common complaint I've seen in other reviews. But I love this kind of stuff, so I really enjoyed it. I found myself getting lost in the battles, so I looked them up as I went along and used The West Point Atlas of War: The Civil War to refresh my memory, as it's been several years since I've studied the Civil War in detail. I was confusing Chancellorsville with Wilderness and Spotsylvania, which is kind of understandable since they were fought on the same ground but in different years. I also got a few details of some other battles wrong, but I was able to straighten it all out by looking up a couple of things. Still, I'm really impressed with how accurate everything is in this historical fiction.

There are also a lot of amusing bits between his battle stories. At one point, he finds that Tom has fallen asleep. "Well, isn't that just like a cat!" is his response. Sometimes he directs the cats in a campaign to catch a rat that's hiding in the barn, as if he were a general. He also tells some common jokes from the war, like "Come on out of that hat. I know you're in there, I can see your legs hanging down." He explains this after telling Tom once to "Come on out of that fur." My favorite line was when he was talking about Joel Sweeney's (who may have written the song Jine the Cavalry with J.E.B. Stuart) banjo playing: "...he'd sit there and make it go pilly willy pinky winky pop, sometimes for the whole evening, and the fellas'd all get to singing, an' Jine-the-Cavalry'd fill up a big brown jug and laugh and tell Sweeny (sic) to play some more."

This book wasn't all fun and games, though. It definitely shows the hardships of war for both sides, but mostly for the Confederacy since that's what Traveller saw firsthand. However, he was also there for the Battle of the Crater, which was pretty much the Union's "Pickett's Charge" moment and a complete slaughter of the blue men. And it wasn't just the battles that were hell. The conditions for the South were bleak for the last two years of the war. They couldn't replace anything they used, had no food, boots, clothes, or anything. I believe more people died from sickness and starvation than from battle wounds by the end of it.

Traveller captures the essence of Lee. He's considered to be a great human being, although this is debated since he was a slave owner. However, he fits the mold of a benevolent one. He educated his slaves (which was illegal), eventually freed them, helped fund the move to Liberia effort, and urged allowing slaves to serve in the Confederate army with manumission as a reward for doing so. Still, looking at him through 21st century eyes, some people will never see him as anything but evil because he once owned slaves. He was a complex man, but honor was a big part of him and his loyalties lay with his home state. He was also a really good general. He made a few bad decisions, like Pickett's Charge, but a war that could have been over in six months to a year lasted instead for four years, and Lee's generalship is part of the reason for that, due to a combination of skill, luck, and bad decisions from the Union generals he was facing (until he ran up against Grant, who's in a class all his own not only for US history but for world history as well). He also had a way of inspiring confidence and loyalty in his men that no one else could manage. No matter how bad things might seem, he was able to make people feel better and get them to keep going. (Grant wasn't as good at that, so nyah-nyah nyah-nyah nyaaah-nyaaah!) Traveller tells us all about it. And about how well Lee treated his horses, even if he didn't always have anything for them to eat. He did the best he could with what he had.

This book won't appeal to a wide audience. To enjoy it, you'll need an interest in the War Between the States and some prior knowledge of it might be required to follow along. An interest in battle details, strategy, and tactics wouldn't hurt either. If you don't have those, reading this might be a slow process for you. But if you do have those, then this book is great.

And I'm going to leave this here because I can: Joan Baez - The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Now, I know some people think it's sacrilege to prefer this cover over The Band's original version, but I can't help it; this one just does it for me, even if Joan's politics make me uncomfortable. Like Linda Ronstadt, she has a wonderful voice, but the personalities make me want to throw up. Still, this song really speaks to me and she sings it beautifully.

"Virgil, quick come see; there goes Robert E. Lee." I bet he was riding Traveller.

This book presents a story in an interesting manner.

However, before delving into it, one should have a basic understanding of the American Civil War and the key figures involved.

Moreover, one has to come to terms with the fact that the author and editors thought it was acceptable to use slang and nonsense words due to the point of view, and that spelling wasn't of utmost importance.

Despite these aspects, the book is enjoyable overall. It offers a unique perspective on the events and characters of the American Civil War, and the use of slang and non-standard spelling adds a certain authenticity to the narrative.

Readers who are willing to overlook these minor flaws will find themselves engaged in a captivating story that brings the past to life.

Overall, this book is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the American Civil War or historical fiction in general.

Not a Bad Read


I have recently come across a book that I find truly captivating. It is the kind of book that once you start reading, you can't put it down. The story is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the writing style is流畅 and easy to follow. I like books like this because they transport me to another world and allow me to escape from the stresses of daily life. Maybe you would too. Give it a read and see for yourself. I think it will be worth your time. You will be able to immerse yourself in the story and enjoy the ride. So go ahead, pick up this book and start reading. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Please enjoy!

Another all-time favorite of mine is a book that I truly love. It is written by Richard Adams.

This particular book tells the captivating story of the civil war. However, it does so from a unique perspective - that of Robert E. Lee's horse, Traveler.

At first glance, one might assume that this could be read as a children's book. But in reality, it is much more than that. It is an incredibly well-written and engaging account of the civil war, on par with any other book I have read on the subject.

The author manages to bring the story to life through the eyes of Traveler, providing a fresh and interesting take on a well-known historical event.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the civil war or simply looking for a great story.

I dreamt last night that there was a fierce wind and pouring rain.
I woke up and looked out of the window, but everything seemed strange.
There was a muddy track stretching across a wooded plain.
In the distance, there was a tumultuous sound, angry cries, and the exchange of fire.
And then, out of that dreadful night,
a scarecrow army appeared, staggering forward.
They were defiant and famished.
In the quenched starlight,
they marched on to their bitter reckoning.

Their sleepless, bloodshot eyes were turned towards me.
Their flags hung black against the pelting sky.
Their jests and curses echoed whisperingly,
as if from long-lost years of sorrow.
Why, you're weeping! What then? What more did you see?

A gray man on a gray horse rode by.

All animal lovers should relish reading about the adventures of "Traveller", Robert E. Lee's beloved horse during the Civil War.
Traveller relates his experiences, as he understood them, in an entertaining way.
Even in his old age, when he rests comfortably, he still has nightmares about the "Blue Men".
Although the innocent animal didn't comprehend why the Blue Men kept advancing, he knew they were his master's enemy and thus his as well.

The link below reveals the true story of Traveller, who turned out to be an incredibly amazing horse in real life as well as in this book.
http://www.horseandman.com/horse-stor...

I've given this book by the author of Watership Down 5 stars and found it to be just as enchanting.

The best thing about the book Traveller is also the worst thing.

The author adopts a highly unique perspective to explore the civil war. It is seen through the eyes of a horse, Traveller, which most history enthusiasts know as Robert E. Lee's main horse. Having delved into numerous traditional books on the civil war, I was captivated by this distinct approach.

Overall, I regarded the book as interesting and was glad to have read it, yet it might not be suitable for everyone. If one desires a typical analysis of the key battles, then this is not the appropriate book. However, if you are simply seeking a novel way to view this remarkable period in American history, you might want to give this a try.

I indeed find it fascinating that even in a book narrated from the perspective of a horse, the battle of Gettysburg emerges as the most engaging part.

This book offers a fresh and unconventional take on the civil war, challenging the traditional narrative and inviting readers to see this historical event from a completely different vantage point. While it may not satisfy those who are looking for a more in-depth and detailed analysis of the battles, it does provide an interesting and thought-provoking read for those who are willing to step outside the box and explore new perspectives.

In conclusion, Traveller is a book that is worth reading for its unique approach and interesting storyline, but it is important to keep in mind that it may not be to everyone's taste.

A Perspective of the Civil War as Only Adam's Can Do

Adam presents a truly unique and captivating perspective on the Civil War. His book delves deep into the events, the people, and the complex web of circumstances that led to this momentous conflict in American history.

The author's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the Civil War. He brings to life the stories of the soldiers, the politicians, and the ordinary citizens who were affected by the war.

From the battles on the front lines to the political maneuverings in Washington, D.C., Adam provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the Civil War. His insights and analysis offer a fresh look at this important period in American history.

Overall, this is a great book that is well worth the read. It is a valuable addition to any collection on the Civil War and will leave readers with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this significant event.

In my life, I have perused numerous books, and this one stands out as among the weirdest.

It is extremely challenging to determine the origin of this book, and it was only near the end that I comprehended the reason; because it seems to stem from three places simultaneously. It is an experiment by a great writer, an indulgent exercise by a doddering old Englishman, and possibly the greatest book ever written from the perspective of a horse... which isn't saying a great deal.

It isn't precisely a good book, and it might definitely be a bad book, but not in a typical bad way. It's... uh....

Ordinarily, when I read a book about the American Civil War, my first query is, what about slavery? What is this book's stance on slaves?

Traveller, the horse, has no opinion on slavery. He's a horse, after all. As far as he's concerned, the Civil War had no impact whatsoever on the kind of slavery he was born into.

So, is this a coded plea for animal rights? Given the author, I had my suspicions. And then something truly confounding occurred.

I very rarely issue spoiler warnings, but if you have any serious intention of reading this book, you might want to skip this part, or you won't be able to read the book as the author intended. Merely providing you with this information will influence your feelings about the book throughout, and the giant synaptic "jump" at the end of the book, where Adams attempts to put you in the mind of a horse, won't play out quite the same. I'm not saying it won't be a good book, but it won't be the same.

Ready?

Okay, the horse thinks that the South won the Civil War.

Which is so insane that it must be true.

And Adams mostly manages to pull it off, mostly getting across the way that a horse actually would think that, how, from the horse's point of view, they sort of did!

But this is severely undermined by the long and convoluted middle of the book. Adams is clearly one of those strange British enthusiasts of the American Civil War, perhaps even one of those guys who goes out to a field near Colchester or something to re-enact Antietam. It's a real thing, look it up; they really do American Civil War re-enactments in England. In any case, Adams's middle-aged delight in knowing all the battles of the Civil War seizes him at some point, and he can't resist introducing you to all the officers of Lee's high command (and their horses) and taking you step-by-step through four years of war, every battle, every skirmish. I bet it's all historically accurate too. When it's so dense and complex that it's obvious that not even a talking horse could understand it, then Adams actually squeezes in news dispatches written in a sort of newspaper jargon, conveniently translating what just happened from "horse" to "history." But this leads to odd moments like the horse calling some commanders by name and keeping track of the news by the gossip of other horses. Basically, the middle part is far too long to maintain the illusion that it's anything other than a magical talking horse. The real horse-y parts, at the beginning and end, are undermined by Mr. Ed Goes To War in the middle.

The ending, in which Traveller doesn't quite understand that General Lee has passed away, doesn't really work in the same book as Traveller the Civil War Correspondent who tells us Stonewall Jackson was shot by one of his own sentries at the Battle of Chancellorville. Either a horse knows the news or he doesn't, but you can't change your mind mid-novel.

This book is rife with deep streaks of illogic and unseemliness. I was curious how the horse would deal with the starving soldiers eating horses, but that never comes up at all. He knows enough English to make fun of a German guy's accent but not enough to know what the word "war" means. Perhaps worst of all, Traveller's opinion of slavery is sufficient for a horse, but not for Mr. Ed. There are many problems like that.

But, as I said, this book does a better job of getting inside a horse's head than any other book I've ever read... and that's not saying much. At times, it really works. The American Civil War must be one of the greatest slaughters of horses in human history, and it's an important story that deserves to be told, and to be told from this particular and bizarre point of view. I only wish Adams had worked on it, not as a professional producing a book for the public, but as a maniac who can't let something go for decades. This book needed another decade of editing, polishing, and general re-jiggering. Not a year, a decade. The quest to get into a horse's head can only succeed through discipline, research, and astounding leaps of intuition. The only way to do that is time. Lots and lots and lots of time.

And if you don't know anything about the American Civil War, you are definitely going to be confused.

However, this story raises some truly important questions. Modern readers simply cannot enter the mindset of a slave. It is far too foreign. We can perhaps imagine what it's like to be a field hand and to be beaten into obedience every day, but the life of a "faithful slave" is impossible. We can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like to be an uneducated, deeply oppressed individual who sides with their own oppressors against the very people who are fighting to free them. The closest mental framework we have is found in animals and pets. The only door for a modern reader to understand how the slaves felt about the people who held them in bondage is through an animal metaphor, and this book does a better job of explaining how a "faithful slave" might have seen their owners during the Civil War than any other book I've ever read. The South was a time and a place when they were literally forcing human beings to live like animals, so it sort of works. Traveller is, on some level, a house slave's view of the Civil War from the South's side. That's a tremendously important and tremendously difficult story.

On the whole, I'm glad that I read this maddening, baffling, trivial, indulgent, tremendously experimental, and courageous novel. We should learn more about how horses perceived history. It's a story that needs to be told, and maybe needs to be told better, but this is a good start. Maybe this needs to be a genre.

Plus, it definitely got me thinking. There are few books that have made me wonder like this one.