Excellent guide to the battle, good starting point for Brits, 04 Sep 2008
Actually bought this when visiting Gettysburg but wished I had read it beforehand.

Described as "a Novel" it takes real people and real events but spins them into a series of individual stories. While this might sound clumsy it works well and with the clear maps the reader has a good understanding of a dramatic story about which (if they are from the UK), they may know little. In fact a British reader may have the advantage over Americans in that the story is fresh and they wont know the outcome. For Americans the characters and stories are very well known.

Col. Freemantle, the real life British observer (though in fact he was basically a tourist) is well drawn without the caricatures or anti-Brtish bias sometimes seen.

The book formed the basis of the film Gettysburg which is also good though the acting and stick on beards (and its enormous length) make it more one for the enthusiast. (Also in the film Col. Freemantle becomes a red coated, tea drinking, toff.)

Excellent guide to the battle, good starting point for Brits, 04 Sep 2008
Actually bought this when visiting Gettysburg but wished I had read it beforehand.

Described as "a Novel" it takes real people and real events but spins them into a series of individual stories. While this might sound clumsy it works well and with the clear maps the reader has a good understanding of a dramatic story about which (if they are from the UK), they may know little. In fact a British reader may have the advantage over Americans in that the story is fresh and they wont know the outcome. For Americans the characters and stories are very well known.

Col. Freemantle, the real life British observer (though in fact he was basically a tourist) is well drawn without the caricatures or anti-Brtish bias sometimes seen.

The book formed the basis of the film Gettysburg which is also good though the acting and stick on beards (and its enormous length) make it more one for the enthusiast. (Also in the film Col. Freemantle becomes a red coated, tea drinking, toff.)

Outstanding trilogy, a must for history lovers, 04 Apr 2007
These three books should be required reading in school. Very eye opening to the horrors of war.

Gods and Generals - Fascinating portrayal of a sad time in US History, as told from the perspectives of the generals involved in these campaigns. I was most particularly moved by Lee and his torn loyalties to the US Army and his home state of Virginia, and most especially by the great Stonewall Jackson. I've come across the names in history classes (oh so long ago) and the occasional novel covering this period, but it was wonderful to have them brought to life as this author did, and we are once again reminded that was is indeed h***. One moment in the book that particularly touched me was during a retreat of Federal soldiers. One of them slipped in the mud and was told that since the general decreed the roads to be in good condition therefore there is no mud. Four stars instead of five as the author's habit of inserting a comma instead of the word "and" was a bit of a distration for me.

The Killer Angels - The author brings the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War to life in this wonderful novel. He uses the alternating views from the officers of both sides of the conflict, thus making you feel as you are right with them, culminating in the horrific and tragic end of the battle. I was truly saddened by the incredible loss of life due to the mistakes of the priveleged few, the generals. No wonder they say Gettysburg is one of the most haunted places in America.

The Last Full Measure - I think this book, and the two preceding it should be required reading in school. I had no idea how horrific this war was, particularly more so as the brutalities committed on both sides were against our own. There were so many moments when I wanted to stop and cry for the loss of life, and especially at the end when the one man who was capable of healing the country and bringing us all back together as one nation, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated.

The research was impeccable and telling the story from the viewpoints of the various generals absolutely fascinating. The honorable Robert E. Lee, Chamberlain (loved his gracious salute to the surrendering army), and the ever fascinating U.S. Grant.

One quote from so many in the book that just brought tears to my eyes: "Yes, it was horrible, horrible indeed. But he had to tell himself that, remind himself to see it that way. There was no sickening revulsion, no outrage, no indignation at the barbarism. It was just one more scene from this war, one more horror, one more mass of death, blending together with all the rest."

Highly highly recommended.


Cliched and Corny, 05 Oct 2003
The Killer Angels (the "middle" one of the three) is an original and a classic. And Michael Shaara's brilliant idea - of taking well-known quotes from major figures in the Civil War - was taken up after his death by his son Jeff in the writing of a prequel and a sequel. But Jeff resorts too much to cliche. When characters only ever talk in speeches or "historical" quotes, it becomes very waring.

If you know absolutely nothing about this conflict, and only want to get an inkling about it, then this trilogy might work for you. But beware of the schmaltz. if you want to know the real story, read any one of the campaign studies by Gordon Rhea or Stephen Sears. Or watch Ken Burn's TV series (finally now out on DVD). That's the true story - most of the stuff in the Shaara books is based on romantically reinforced reminiscences many years after the war by generals who were trying to play up thier successes and play down their own mistakes.

A brilliant account of the tregedy that was the Civil War., 07 Mar 2001
I'm not noted for my literary interests but this trilogy had me spellbound from page to page. I'd visited some Civil War sites on recent visits to the US and, on the recommendation of a colleague from Queen's College in Charlotte, NC, I watched the film Gettysburg.

This film set the scene for me and the books provided graphic and 'realistic' first-hand accounts of the various actions in the war and the roles played by the leading characters.

I have a good friend (a Texan) who, when I ask him about recent US military leaders, is given to adding "... but his grandfather fought on the right (or wrong) side in the Civil War."

So, in truth, I started to read these books with a bias towards the South and its cause. So skilful is the writing that, in the end, right and wrong were meaningless and I was simply overwhelmed by the tragedy that was the Civil War.

The intimate insights into the characters and the impact the war had on their pre-war relationships served to illustrate so vividly the heartrending and catastrophic effect that war has on the people caught up in its wake.

I commend this trilogy of books to you.

Excellent, excellent and excellent!, 23 Jul 1999
Several months ago I saw the movie "Gettysburg" based on Michael Saara's novel- The Killer Angels. Since I was deeply moved by the film I decided to buy the book. I couldn't put it down- it was even stronger that the film. M Saara didn't try to stick to one side of the story: he wrote it from the point of view of those who took part in the Civil War with no regard to the colour of their uniform. He portrays us the battles and the feelings of the soldiers from both camps in an intelligent and beautiful way and style. After his father's death, Jeff Saara decided to continue his work by writing two other books which all together make a wonderful and touching trilogy. The two novels written by Jeff are as good as 'The Killer Angels' and I would like to shake his hand and tell him how breathtaking and deeply human this trilogy is. Good work! Don't miss it!

CIVIL WAR HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE., 04 Jul 1999
THIS TRILOGY SHOULD BE A PART OF EVERY HISTORY COURSE ON THE CIVIL WAR. THE SHAARAS HISTORICALLY ACCRUATE FICTIONALIZATION OF THE CIVIL WAR BRINGS TO LIFE MANY KEY PERSONAILITIES THAT WROTE THAT PART OF HISTORY. THE SHAARAS' BOOK OFFERS AN IDEA OF THE KIND OF PEOPLE GRANT, LEE,JACKSON AND LONGSTREET WERE. GODS AND GENERALS GOES FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR TO GETTYSBERG, THE KILLER ANGELS DEALS WITH GETTYSBERG AND THE LAST FULL MEASURE GOES TO THE END OF THE WAR. THEY ARE THE KIND OF BOOKS YOU HATE TO SEE END. THE CHARACTERS ARE NO LONGER NAMES ON A PAGE. THEY ARE ACQUAINTANCES THAT YOU'VE BEEN THROUGH SOMETHING WITH.

Excellent guide to the battle, good starting point for Brits, 04 Sep 2008
Actually bought this when visiting Gettysburg but wished I had read it beforehand.

Described as "a Novel" it takes real people and real events but spins them into a series of individual stories. While this might sound clumsy it works well and with the clear maps the reader has a good understanding of a dramatic story about which (if they are from the UK), they may know little. In fact a British reader may have the advantage over Americans in that the story is fresh and they wont know the outcome. For Americans the characters and stories are very well known.

Col. Freemantle, the real life British observer (though in fact he was basically a tourist) is well drawn without the caricatures or anti-Brtish bias sometimes seen.

The book formed the basis of the film Gettysburg which is also good though the acting and stick on beards (and its enormous length) make it more one for the enthusiast. (Also in the film Col. Freemantle becomes a red coated, tea drinking, toff.)

Outstanding trilogy, a must for history lovers, 04 Apr 2007
These three books should be required reading in school. Very eye opening to the horrors of war.

Gods and Generals - Fascinating portrayal of a sad time in US History, as told from the perspectives of the generals involved in these campaigns. I was most particularly moved by Lee and his torn loyalties to the US Army and his home state of Virginia, and most especially by the great Stonewall Jackson. I've come across the names in history classes (oh so long ago) and the occasional novel covering this period, but it was wonderful to have them brought to life as this author did, and we are once again reminded that was is indeed h***. One moment in the book that particularly touched me was during a retreat of Federal soldiers. One of them slipped in the mud and was told that since the general decreed the roads to be in good condition therefore there is no mud. Four stars instead of five as the author's habit of inserting a comma instead of the word "and" was a bit of a distration for me.

The Killer Angels - The author brings the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War to life in this wonderful novel. He uses the alternating views from the officers of both sides of the conflict, thus making you feel as you are right with them, culminating in the horrific and tragic end of the battle. I was truly saddened by the incredible loss of life due to the mistakes of the priveleged few, the generals. No wonder they say Gettysburg is one of the most haunted places in America.

The Last Full Measure - I think this book, and the two preceding it should be required reading in school. I had no idea how horrific this war was, particularly more so as the brutalities committed on both sides were against our own. There were so many moments when I wanted to stop and cry for the loss of life, and especially at the end when the one man who was capable of healing the country and bringing us all back together as one nation, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated.

The research was impeccable and telling the story from the viewpoints of the various generals absolutely fascinating. The honorable Robert E. Lee, Chamberlain (loved his gracious salute to the surrendering army), and the ever fascinating U.S. Grant.

One quote from so many in the book that just brought tears to my eyes: "Yes, it was horrible, horrible indeed. But he had to tell himself that, remind himself to see it that way. There was no sickening revulsion, no outrage, no indignation at the barbarism. It was just one more scene from this war, one more horror, one more mass of death, blending together with all the rest."

Highly highly recommended.


Cliched and Corny, 05 Oct 2003
The Killer Angels (the "middle" one of the three) is an original and a classic. And Michael Shaara's brilliant idea - of taking well-known quotes from major figures in the Civil War - was taken up after his death by his son Jeff in the writing of a prequel and a sequel. But Jeff resorts too much to cliche. When characters only ever talk in speeches or "historical" quotes, it becomes very waring.

If you know absolutely nothing about this conflict, and only want to get an inkling about it, then this trilogy might work for you. But beware of the schmaltz. if you want to know the real story, read any one of the campaign studies by Gordon Rhea or Stephen Sears. Or watch Ken Burn's TV series (finally now out on DVD). That's the true story - most of the stuff in the Shaara books is based on romantically reinforced reminiscences many years after the war by generals who were trying to play up thier successes and play down their own mistakes.

A brilliant account of the tregedy that was the Civil War., 07 Mar 2001
I'm not noted for my literary interests but this trilogy had me spellbound from page to page. I'd visited some Civil War sites on recent visits to the US and, on the recommendation of a colleague from Queen's College in Charlotte, NC, I watched the film Gettysburg.

This film set the scene for me and the books provided graphic and 'realistic' first-hand accounts of the various actions in the war and the roles played by the leading characters.

I have a good friend (a Texan) who, when I ask him about recent US military leaders, is given to adding "... but his grandfather fought on the right (or wrong) side in the Civil War."

So, in truth, I started to read these books with a bias towards the South and its cause. So skilful is the writing that, in the end, right and wrong were meaningless and I was simply overwhelmed by the tragedy that was the Civil War.

The intimate insights into the characters and the impact the war had on their pre-war relationships served to illustrate so vividly the heartrending and catastrophic effect that war has on the people caught up in its wake.

I commend this trilogy of books to you.

Excellent, excellent and excellent!, 23 Jul 1999
Several months ago I saw the movie "Gettysburg" based on Michael Saara's novel- The Killer Angels. Since I was deeply moved by the film I decided to buy the book. I couldn't put it down- it was even stronger that the film. M Saara didn't try to stick to one side of the story: he wrote it from the point of view of those who took part in the Civil War with no regard to the colour of their uniform. He portrays us the battles and the feelings of the soldiers from both camps in an intelligent and beautiful way and style. After his father's death, Jeff Saara decided to continue his work by writing two other books which all together make a wonderful and touching trilogy. The two novels written by Jeff are as good as 'The Killer Angels' and I would like to shake his hand and tell him how breathtaking and deeply human this trilogy is. Good work! Don't miss it!

CIVIL WAR HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE., 04 Jul 1999
THIS TRILOGY SHOULD BE A PART OF EVERY HISTORY COURSE ON THE CIVIL WAR. THE SHAARAS HISTORICALLY ACCRUATE FICTIONALIZATION OF THE CIVIL WAR BRINGS TO LIFE MANY KEY PERSONAILITIES THAT WROTE THAT PART OF HISTORY. THE SHAARAS' BOOK OFFERS AN IDEA OF THE KIND OF PEOPLE GRANT, LEE,JACKSON AND LONGSTREET WERE. GODS AND GENERALS GOES FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR TO GETTYSBERG, THE KILLER ANGELS DEALS WITH GETTYSBERG AND THE LAST FULL MEASURE GOES TO THE END OF THE WAR. THEY ARE THE KIND OF BOOKS YOU HATE TO SEE END. THE CHARACTERS ARE NO LONGER NAMES ON A PAGE. THEY ARE ACQUAINTANCES THAT YOU'VE BEEN THROUGH SOMETHING WITH.

Stunning novel of sacrifice at Gettysburg, 01 Jan 2008
This novel won the pulitzer prize for fiction and for good reason. It's superbly written with a keen eye for military and character details. The commanders come alive in this book like in no other except perhaps Shelby Foote's brilliant (non-fiction) trilogy. The movie "Gettysburg" was based on this novel. If you love historical fiction and the Civil War you must read this fantastic book. The author's son has made quite a career (Jeff Shaara) out of writing a series of novels based upon this one - before and after Gettysburg (which is the setting for Killer Angels). Unfortunately, in this instance, the apple fell quite far from the tree as far as writing capabilities are concerned. Steer clear of the Jeff Shaara books and read the non-fiction histories instead. But, if you need a good/great civil war novel, you're likely to find no better one than this.

I bought this paperback in an airport... and got hooked!, 24 Oct 2007
You know... it sounds a bit silly... but that's the way I noticed this novel!... boring time airport lounges... (actually that's the same way I discovered Sharpe's Eagle!).

First, it says a lot of the guys (or galls) who pick the titles for those stands in the airports!... (lol)...

Actually, I was ALWAYS interested in the American Civil war... at a time I even had the miniature figurines to refight Gettysburg using FIRE&FURY rules... and I mean the whole lot!...

I have read History books (Shelby Foote's are probably the best as a whole... but the GETTYSBURG by Stephen W. Sears is a must read too!, but also LONGACRE books about the cavalry mind...), so without considering myself an expert I was NOT NEW to the period... and had already read a lot about it if you follow me...

This novel come as a VERY NICE surprise (I did not get the meaning of the title at all... but as there was a fragment of the Gettysburg panorama on the cover... I thought it was about it...) because the prose really makes you feel like the proverbial fly on the wall... it really is like being there hearing them (and more... able to read their thoughts!)... many historical novels does'nt get the feeling right... well THIS ONE GETS IT AND IN SPADES...

Highly Recommended

ADB

PS: The prequel and sequel by his son are 4 stars stuff but not quite so ORIGINAL... I have read them both... and even the one about the american-mexican war GONE FOR SOLDIERS... which surprisingly I found more interesting!... probably because it was not a so trodden ground...

The best novel about war ever, 01 May 2006
I've written several reviews for Amazon panning books I don't like so I thought I'd better write one about a book I do thoroughly recommend. I came to this book knowing Gettysburg was important but not much else. It worked for me on several different levels.
First, it was a brilliantly clear and concise account of the fighting; I have tried reading some of the history books on the subject since and I can see that Shaara probably tied things up a bit but whose account do I have in mind as I write this, Shaara's or the "real" historians' version? No contest, Shaara wins hands-down. Did he "rewrite" history? I am sure he did to some extent - for example, in reading a "real" history I was surprised by how little mention there was of Joseph Chamberlain who is one of the heroes of the novel. Do I care? Not much.
Second, the insights into the commanders who were there. As a study in human strengths and frailties it is one of the best things I have ever read (the only historian I have read who is on a par is John Keegan). These men were humans, not supermen and seeing things through tired eyes and minds was so much superior to a dry historical explanation of units manoeuvring around a map. The scenes between Lee and Longstreet on the second and third day are absorbing as the arguments ebb and flow. (And if, like me, you desperately wanted Longstreet to prevail then get yourself a copy of Newt Gingrich's book; you won't be disappointed.) The description of Pickett's Charge has stayed with me and is so familiar from descriptions of First World War battles.
Third, the clever way Shaara brings in the different opinions about the Civil War either through Freemantle listening the discussion at the CSA camp or Chamberlain recalling an uncomfortable dinner with pro-southerners before the war started. For someone with little reading in the area it was pitched at an ideal level.
No review of mine would be complete without a few minor quibbles and this time it is one or two of the minor characters. Buster Kilrain must be one of the most one-dimensional characters ever (the only way he could be more stereotypical is if he said "Begorrah" a lot and kept Guinness in his hip flask. It's also frustrating that the superb description of the viewpoint and motivation of a few commanders leaves so many others still in the dark. What WAS Ewell thinking about on the first evening? (Gingrich's book is better on this than Shaara's, I think) And where is AP Hill coming from??? And it would have been nice to see the battle through the eyes of a CSA regiment, to balance the account of Chamberlain's regiment. Of course, that would have made the book longer but when it's this good, who cares?
Overall, this book would be cheap at twice the price. I can read it over and over again. Thoroughly recommended.
I agree with other reviewers that if you enjoy this you will also enjoy Jeff Shaara's prequel and sequel, as well as the film "Gettysburg". And if you don't know the battlefield already, go to the PBASE photo website and type "Gettysburg" into the search engine to give you some excellent snaps of how the area looks today.

Eyewitness Accounts about the Battle for America, 15 Mar 2006
This Pulitzer Prize winning novel retells the Battle of Gettysburg (Pennsylvania) from the viewpoints of the major participants, both North and South. It falls into the category of historical fiction and is based on well researched facts, to be precise *seven* years of research and writing revisions (as stated on the jacket cover). It depicts actual events with the imagination of the author filling in the feelings and thoughts of General Robert E. Lee, Colonel Chamberlain, Buford, Longstreet, Ewell, Pickett, Armistead, during key positions and outcomes of this most important battle during the American Civil War. Highly acclaimed by both, Gen. H. Norman Schwartzkopf and film maker Ken Burns, this book deserves a wider reading audience.

Similar to "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "Red Badge of Courage", the reader is given a first hand account of what it is like to have lived through this major historical turning point of the war. What otherwise would be dry, cold hard facts becomes a living event, felt and experienced in all of its glory, gory details, and sadness. Human emotions, hope, longing, courage, deprivation, fatigue, love, loyalty, regrets and faith in God are clearly shown. Anyone who wants to learn more about the Civil War but was hesitant should read this book. It makes history come alive. I was so capitvated, I bought the prequel and sequel, written by the author's son, Jeff Shaara, who continued the writing tradition started by his late father. One readily appreciates how fragile a gift is freedom and democracy, not to be taken for granted. The United States as a nation underwent one of the most tragic events in its history ... to maintain unity and integrity ... this should never be forgotten.
Erika Borsos (bakonyvilla)

A beautifully moving book about men and war, 17 Feb 2003
This book came out during a period when I had no time to read. Then when the time came along, it was next to impossible to find a copy. I finally did track one down and was blown away. I adore Scottish History, but since I was raised part time in the States, I grew to love the complexities of the Civil War (in the South US it's called the War Between the States). The reasons for the war, the motivation for people to fight their neighbour, often their own brother or family members was mesmerising. Bruce Catton gave me such insight into all the factors through his marvellous works, so I thought no writer could touch him in making you feel, see and understand the men, the generals, the affect the Civil War had on a nation.

However, a writer did, and oddly enough with fiction. Michael Shaara won a Pulitzer Prize for the moving work that focuses on the one pivotal battle, the high-water mark of the War Between the States. He gives you the frustration of men driven to kill their brothers, of the futility, the waste. Centring on Lee, floundering at the loss of his right hand Jackson, of being cut off from screening and blind without information because Stuart was on one of his glory rides, of one general who could not follow orders, of another, Longstreet, who followed them to the letter knowing he was sending his 'boys' to their death in the glorious, yet ultimately disastrous Pickett's charge.

But it through Col. J.L. Chamberlain where Shaara succeeds the most, in giving you the humanity, the nightmare, the pathos, of the men of 20th Maine regiment, volunteers who held the Union's left flank on the second day of the battle at Little Round Top.

The book is so moving, so touching that it makes you view the war in a way you never have before. If only, he had included Captain James Hall of the 2nd Maine Battery...

This was turned into the wonderful film GETTYSBURG, which I also recommend highly with some truly memorable performances. However, be sure to read the book as well, for you will never forget the beautiful prose of Shaara.

Also recommended are Jeff Shaara his son's books that form a trilogy with Gods and General the prequel and The Last Full Measure the Ending.