Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel "The Killer Angels" provides more details about the Battle of Gettysburg than any piece of academic nonfiction. His account of the "High Water Mark" of the Civil War features deft characterizations, including Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and George Pickett as well as Union Generals Buford, and Hancock. Shaara successfully presents various perspectives of the three-day battle by using his characters' voices. The most compelling figure in the book is Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, whose 20th Maine regiment held the Union's left flank on the second day of the battle. The unit's bravery at Little Round Top helped turn the tide of the second day and set the stage for the third day's confrontation at the Angle, during Pickett's Charge. "The Killer Angels" includes numerous maps, which convey a complete sense of what happened at Gettysburg, during July 1-3, 1863. Michael Shaara's ability to convey the thoughts of men in battle- especially their confusion, the "fog of battle"- is positively breath-taking. Reading history is rarely so informative, or as entertaining, as in this book. Anyone who has been to the Gettysburg battlefield will appreciate Shaara's ability to bring the battlefield to life.Read full review
This book actually created a new genre of historical writing--the author researched the primary sources just as an actor does in order to "become" the character in a play. It is written in the first person; chapter by chapter, the author assumes the persona of each general, of each army, making strategic battle decisions. It reads like a novel, drawing the reader into personalities as they each search their own reasons for fighting, some noble and some cruel. I wish the book had included the Introduction by Jeff Shaara, the authors' son, that some editions have. It is worth reading as background to the importance of this literary work.
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I have a tendency to read books then never pick them up again or remember characters or even the story plot. Not this one! I loved the movie, loved the book and have read it several times. I just bought my own copy hard back so I could read it whenever I wanted. This book and its flanking counter parts (Gods and Generals & The Last Full Measure) are one of the most talked about books between my brother and I. We enjoy them quite a bit and are so happy to own all three. If you enjoy this book go watch the movie "Gettysburg" based on Michael Sharra's book Killer Angels. It is very true to the book and historically accurate. I have been to Gettysburg 5 or so times and it never gets old. The story comes to life in the pages and then I can see it vividly on the battle field. A must read for any history buff.Read full review
day by day, hour by hour account of the battle of little round top. All the combatants depicted as if the author wa present at the battle
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Those days at Gettysburg are fascinating to myself. I reside very close to Gettysburg and have stood on those actual battlefields, Devils Den, Pickett's charge and it's just amazing (and very, very sad too) Looking over the big field where Pickett's charge took place, I actually get goose bumps trying to imagine the courage of the rebels to walk across that big open field into the guns of the waiting Federals. This book does an excellent job of telling the story of the three days at Gettysburg. Highly recommend this book if the reader is fascinated by the battle of Gettysburg.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This one of the must reads, especially for all those who think history is dull and boring. Mr. Shaara captured the drama and a lot of the truth of Gettysburg in 1963. Every time I drive from Frederick, MD to Leesburg, Va. I think of the Confederate army crossing the Potomac River on their march North to disaster in Gettysburg. The characters of our history come alive in this book, even with a bit are changed in "artistic license". I have given this book to others many times and they love it as much as I do. This book will be a Christmas gift .
Before Ken Burns there was Michael Shaara. Mr Shaara brings the often dry and tedious civil war facts to LIFE! This author along with Shelby Foote breathe life into the participants of The War between the States. Ken Burns is quoted tha "Killer Angels" brought tears to his eyes, likewise it did the same for me. Bravo to Mr. Shaara and it is with much gratitude that I submit this review. Michael Shaara received a Pulitizer prize for this novel. Well-deserved.
Compelling story, captivating. Great condition for a pre-read book.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The most informative and best written book on the Battle of Gettysburg. Use it for reference almost daily in discussion groups.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This book is an excellent book for history buffs and those that are always wanting to know more about the "Civil War" era. Book reads very fast and before you know it, you have finished reading it. I had trouble putting it down even after I had read it, and even went back and went over a few sections again. I liked this book very much and recommend it to anyone...michealc1837
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