“My favorite historical novel . . . a superb re-creation of the Battle of Gettysburg, but its real importance is its insight into what the war was about, and what it meant.”—James M. McPherson In the four most bloody and courageous days of our nation’s history, two armies fought for two conflicting dreams. One dreamed of freedom, the other of a way of life. Far more than rifles and bullets were … rifles and bullets were carried into battle. There were memories. There were promises. There was love. And far more than men fell on those Pennsylvania fields. Bright futures, untested innocence, and pristine beauty were also the casualties of war. Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece is unique, sweeping, unforgettable—the dramatic story of the battleground for America’s destiny.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Jeff Shaara’s Blaze of Glory.
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The Pulitzer Prize Winning classic about the Battle of Gettysburg. I wrote the staff walk for Gettysburg for the JFK Special Warfare Center & School and this book was a great resource to get the feel for the commanders on each side.
I highly recommend it.
What most people don’t know though, is at the same time as Gettysburg, the battle that …
I read the Killer Angels after touring Gettysburg National Military Park in 2008, which enhanced my reading experience and understanding of the battle at Gettysburg. I’ve since read the book several times, and I take away something new every time. I used this book in conjunction with the movie of the same name when I taught high school level …
Incredible! The book that the movie Gettysburg was based on. And for good reason. While not true history, Shaara has brought the historical characters to life. This is the story of the main characters of the Battle of Gettysburg. We see their inner thoughts and feelings that the history books do not delve into. The events and dates are …
If you’re a student of or interested in reading about the American Civil War, “The Killer Angels” is a must-read. Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the Battle of Gettysburg brings to vivid life the horrors and triumphs of four days that changed the course of American history. This is a story that will linger in your mind long after the …
The first, middle, and last words on Gettysburg . Civil War reinactors recommend this book. A Pulitizer Prize winner.
Having been to Gettysburg several times I appreciate the geography descriptions.
But, the best part is learning more about the individuals in both Armies. For example, the relationship between Longstreet and Lee, Longstreets family history and family tragedies and his imposing size and leadership strengths.
I know , as a novel, the conversations …
Incredible!!!
Shaara’s approach to writing about actual events by imagining the dialogue that might have taken place was an early inspiration for my writing. I love the challenge of imagining a fictional protagonist placed among actual historical figues and experiencing a moment in history.
Winner of the 1975 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. A friend shared this novel with me, I’d never read it before and I was totally absorbed in the story. It’s an exceptional novel, one of the best I’ve ever read. I watched the movie several months ago. The novel is soo much more. It takes the reader into the minds of the Gettysburg generals on both …
It is a very education and historic book and i very much so recommend it 🙂
If you want to learn history you should read this book. It includes moments of the civil war and is filled with action. You will meet important characters, and learn about what they did.
Shaara’s stunning narrative of the battle of Gettysburg was one of a number of Civil War resources for me in writing THE ABOLITIONIST’S DAUGHTER. One of the bloodiest battles of our bloodiest war, Gettysburg deserves this kind of meticulous, revealing, engaging depiction and Shaara has not failed. A book for the ages.
I wasn’t thrilled with this book. It dragged. I almost put it down when halfway through. It was about the Civil War. The author could have made the characters more interesting in my opinion.
Without question the best book ever written about our Civil War. Should be required reading for every American.
I liked the book. It gave me an insight into the lives of these men.
Wonderful writing. Mr. Sahara started me on my addiction to the Civil War. Very readable.
This book and movie are fantastic! The author had definitely done his research and made it an enjoyable read, no matter how war like it got.
I listened to this book on audio and it was superb. One of the top books EVER. It was so compelling I went to Gettysburg again by myself (I’d been taken there as a child) and searched out the place where a very compelling scene involving Joshua Chamberlain (a Yankee hero) took place. So so so moving after hearing that book. And I am from the …
We cheer for those we see as ‘the good guys ‘ and demonize those on the other side. This book turned the good guy theory on its head. Looking at one particular civil war battle, we see the battle from both the Union and the Confederate view points. You come away with the realization that there were fewer differences in their lives and perspectives …
Probably not for the casual reader. For history buffs (Especially the Civil War) a pretty good read.
I have read about the battle of Gettysburg before but never in such depth. The character development was very moving – particularly those of Longstreet and Chamberlain – and the images of combat unforgettable.