Ms. Reardon's wonderful book underscores the challenge that we all face as we read and attempt to separate fact from fiction and fancy.This book is a case study in the mysterious confluence of objective history and subjective history. Ms Reardon deftly takes the reader from July 3, 1863, the day of Pickett's Charge, to the present day and shows how elusive the truth is. As an avid student of the American Civil War in particular and history in general,I learned three very important lessons from Ms Reardon. First, the thundering violence and confusion of battle make the search for the truth exceedingly difficult. The actual participants in Pickett's Charge were able to vividly and tellingly relate their emotions at the time. However, their reports of actual events and actions were understandably contradictory. Second, as Ms Reardon illuminates throughout the book, the careful reader must consider the possible motives of the author while reading the work. Ms Reardon demonstrates that the Virginia Historical Society was more interested in protecting state pride than searching for the truth. The numerous instances of conflicting accounts of this single day of the Civil War reminds me of Richard Nixon's resopnse to the question of how history will judge him : "It depends on who writes the history ". One can call Nixon's response cynical, but Ms Reardon reminds us that the wise reader will posses a healthy skepticism. Finally, when one pores through a Civil War book,or any book on warfare for that matter, the reader must understand that the neat maps of the terrain and the formations belie the utter confusion,terror, and violence inherent in battle.

Ms Reardon won me over with her eye for the telling detail when she pointed out that the terrain prevented both Union and Confederate soldiers from a panaromic view of the battlefield.The rolling hills prevented the Union troops from seeing large parts of the charge. Meanwhile, a gentle ridge split the attacking Confederates in half. Ms Reardon ruefully notes that numerous historical accounts from both sides provide intimate details of things that were not visible from the participant's location.

Ms Reardon quotes a grizzled veteran who summed it all up when he said,"Picketts Charge has been so grossly exaggerated and misrepresented as to give some color to the oft-repeated axiom that 'history is an agreed-upon lie'."

With new books on the Civil War hitting the stands every day it's nice to see that hard nosed research with attention to detail is still alive. Carol Reardon has brought forth past memories, mirrored with a modern day look at Pickett's charge. As the book unfolds, her style of writing lends itself to a wonderful portrayal of the efforts made to fully understand what happened on 3 July 1863.

No matter what the outcome, American lives were lost during a bitter struggle at a time when brother fought against brother. This book, unlike others that try to de-bunk the stories and battle statistics, goes to the heart of the matter. Truly remarkable and most enjoyable to read!

This book is well worth reading and rates as one of the top Civil War books needed on your library shelf.

Well done!

About 3 years ago, I read the 3 books Gary Gallagher edited that are essay collections on the battle of Gettysburg. While the books dealing with the first and second day had interesting material in them, the one on the third day had a truly interesting essay on Pickett's Charge, by a woman who's a military historian. I'm sure she's sick of hearing it, but female military historians are rather rare, so I read it with some interest. It was worth my time, definitely, and this book is an expansion of the themes presented in the essay.

Gettysburg is a controversial subject, and while there has been much ink spilled adding to the controversy, this book instead aims to dissect the controversy surrounding the denoument of the whole event: Pickett's Charge. Reardon first covers the events of the charge very briefly, then wades right in and recounts the memory and history of the event as it developed over the years. There's a whole chapter, for instance, on the efforts of the North Carolina historical societies and veterans' organizations trying to rehabilitate the reputation of Tarheels who fought during Pickett's Charge, because they were blamed (by Virginians in Pickett's division and elsewhere) for the defeat. Watching the history of an event unfold and change as the generations pass is enthralling, and Reardon tells the story skillfully, keeping the pace up nicely and showing a formidable command of publications on the Battle and Pickett's Charge itself...

All in all, a truly remarkable book and one well worth reading. A 9 is the highest rating I've given here; and I've rated 10 or 15 books now.

Chamberlain and Gettysburg scholars have written millions of words about the pivotal campaign of the Civil War. Nevertheless, they have tended to introduce us only to the titans on the field: Alexander, Buford, Chamberlain, Doubleday, Early, Ewell, Hancock, Hood, Lee, Longstreet, Oates, Pettrigrew, Pickett, Spear, Trimble, et al. A few have enlarged the cast of characters to include the courageous Sergeant Tozier and the faithful Sergeant Buck.

Desjardin's contribution is that he expands the cast of characters to include the ordinary soldiers, who in the horrors of war, dedicated themselves to a cause greater than individual survival or gain. By painting for us a more honest portrait of battle and its aftermath, Desjardin has done us all a great service.

So many books have been written about the Battle of Gettysburg and in particular the events that occured on the 2nd day of battle concerning the decisive events that occured on Big Round Top and Little Round Top, after reading many books by noted scholars, I thought I knew the events and the 20th Maine led by Col. Joshua L. Chamberlain very well. I was wrong, Thomas A. Desjardin has uncovered some actions taken by the men of the 20th Maine as well as Col. Chamberlain that hasn't been written before and incorporated it into this book very nicely.

Usually, when writing about the 20th Maine at Gettysburg, an author will focus on the events that occured at Little Round Top only and ignore what happened to the regiment before July 2, 1863 and afterwards, however Desjardin tells readers what the regiment went through a month or so before the battle and what happened on July 3 during Picketts charge. This is a nice change only one other author comes to mind when I read this and that is John Pullen in his book "The 20th Maine" that was written many years before.

Desjardin describes the regiment in an easy to read prose, he dosen't mix in to many details that aren't necessary and he makes a reader feel like they were there during the crucial events at Gettysburg. I think Col. (later Gen and Governor) Chamberlain would approve of this book in its no nonsence manner (even though Col. Chamberlain did speak and write rather long). This is accurate and very interesting to read.

Highly recommended!

When I saw this at our local bookstore I thought it was brand new since I am a big Gettysburg fan and hadn't seen it before. Turns out it was originally published in 1995 by a small press in Pennsylvania or somewhere and was only available in a few places, Then [someone else] got hold of it and now it is everywhere. It is a really great book, more balanced and objective than ANY Civil War book I've read, and even though it exposes a lot of myths about Joshua Chamberlain and his men, you will still end up admiring them, only now for the truth, not the myth. Reads like a novel and has some great detailed appendixes with lists of participants, wounded, etc. Outstanding!

Shelby Foote's account of the Gettysburg campaign is a phenomenal narrative history that truly comes to life in audio format. The unabridged version sets the stage and unfolds the action in a leisurely yet deliberate pace that is actually suspenseful until the action begins with the rebels coming on July 1, "three deep and booming." The author's syrupy deep voice is mesmerizing, and his Mississippi accent gives new resonance to the famous quotes of the battle, from Lee's "The enemy is there, and I am going to strike him" to Pickett's "Up, men and to your posts! Don't forget today that you are from Old Virginia!" The Union heroes, especially Hancock, are given equal time in this balanced and compelling account.

Foote covers the battle from flank to flank for all three days and weaves in such related vignettes as Stuart's truancy and the cavalry action as well. It is helpful for the reader/listerner to have some general background knowledge of the battle, but Foote provides brief descriptions of the various players as the story rolls along.

These cassettes are out of print but well worth tracking down and even paying above-market money for. "Stars in Their Courses" is a perfect audiobook for a trip or long daily commute; you will find yourself looking forward to getting in the car to drive to work. A classic.

This book, distilled from Foote's excellent three part Narrative History of the Civil War, is the single best account of Gettysburg to my knowledge. (Incidentally, the copy I listened to was the unabridged version, and the descriptions here at Amazon seem to differ as to whether this is an abridged or unabridged work so be careful).

Foote is a master storyteller, and listening to the gripping account of the battle in his clear, conversational voice made the words come alive for me, reminding me why I liked Ken Burns' documentary so much. For many, like myself, who own and have read Foote's masterful trilogy, perhaps there is not much new here that cannot be found by picking up the appropriate portions of his second larger volume. However, by listening to the audio version of Stars in their Courses, you can re-immerse yourself in the Gettysburg campaign, and listen to this excellent account of the battle, as well as the events leading up to it, to and from work in the author's own voice.

There are a few odd details, like Foote's strange insertion of battle drums on a couple of occasions, which is startling after listening to hours of him speaking. Foote doesn't tell you when the side is over or when to change tapes, so you are always waiting for a minute or two to see whether the tape has indeed ended or a new subject begun. Also, since this is taken out of a larger work, occasionally we are introduced to characters that have been more presented, with biographical data, earlier in the Narrative History but not here. It helps to have a passing understanding of many of the key figures in the battle, but it is not essential to enjoying the work as a whole. Overall, these are trifling objections, and this audio book, at least in its unabridged format, is about as good as it gets.

Stars in Their Courses is more than just a lesson in American History. It is an exciting story about a battle that determined the direction of the Civil War. Shelby Foote recounts the events of Gettysbury as if he were there. Listening to the audio tapes, his southern accent brings this confrontation to the peak of reality. Only a great writer and historian could afford such remarkable detail. A must for anyone interested in the Civil War.

No battle in the history of the United States and perhaps no battle in the history of the world is associated with more, "what ifs" than the battle of Gettysburg. A large percent of those, "what ifs" are associated with the struggle for the Round Tops on July 2nd. What if Longstreet had attacked earlier? What if Sickles had stayed where he was supposed to stay? What if Warren had arrived on Little Round Top a half-hour later? What if Benning Had not lost his bearing and had joined Law's attack on Little Round Top? What if Hood had been allowed to go around the Union left flank? Penny and Laine do mention these what ifs, but only on rare occasions do they attempt to speculate on what might have happened. Instead they deal in facts, or what DID happen.

This book must have taken years to research for they have dug deep into regimental histories and it would appear they have even researched the personal papers of any solider who's family still happens to have them around. By doing such exhaustive research the authors are able to provide us with personal glimpses of the men involved, things like what they did before the war and after the war. One soldier even credits berries in part for his recovery from diarrhea. You can't get much more personal than that.

In all honesty, this is not a book for the casual reader. I have spent many hours prowling around the battlefield at Gettysburg and on occasion I had trouble keeping up with what regiment was where. Taking that problem into account, the authors have included numerous maps showing the troop movements in great detail. The maps are a huge help. This book also does an excellent job of keeping things interesting, even while getting into a good deal of minutia.

This is an excellent book for anyone fascinated by those three July days in Pennsylvania. Anyone doing research on the battle needs a copy of this book. Penny and Laine allow us to follow Law's Brigade from Virginia to Gettysburg, and back again. I would love to have the time to run up to Gettysburg, climb up and sit on a big boulder at Devil's Den and read this book. While sitting there, able to look around me and see the places described, this book's vivid account of July 2nd, 1863 would almost transport me back in time and allow me to see it all for myself. Great Job!

Laine and Penny definately tell the full story of Law's Alabamians concentrated in Gettysburg. Their origination, marches from Virginia through Maryland and into Pennsylvania is covered well. As the story develops and the brigade reaches Gettysburg plenty of first hand accounts backed by short biographies add to the excellent coverage. These accounts and biographies are also carried throughout as individuals popular to certain action in the timeline come into the fold. Descriptive details of each regimental movement such as 44th and 48th Alabama being sent towards Devils Den and the struggle for Little Round Top carried by the 15th Alabama is quite interesting. The authors are careful in explanation as maps are used to back conflicting movements, orders and the general chaos throughout Plum Run and around the Round Tops. Union positions and personal accounts are also introduced during the various battles to benefit the reader as well. Interesting closure to the battle is offered as Law's Brigade battles Kilpatrick's Cavalry on Day #3 and on as the brigade retreats from Gettysburg. Not only was I surprised to read about retreat back to Virginia but I was also pleased to read about Law's skirmishes in protecting the Confederate retreat from Union Cavalry pursuits. An added bonus for the reader comes towards the end when certain individuals brought forth through the story have their outcomes mentioned. Some were captured, some died, some disappeared never to be found. This book is an excellent source for anyone interested in learning about Law's Alabama Brigade and their lives during May,June and July 1863.

Morris M. Penny and J. Gary Laine are to be complimented in high form in writing this book about the account of General Evander Law's Confederate Brigade during the Battle of Gettysburg. The authors certainly did their research of documenting where each regiment was right before, during, and after the battle, especially the vital 2nd day for the struggle of Little and Big Round Top. There has been little presented on the Confederate side of the struggle before this, due to the Confederate vetereans not having much resources and opportunity to document their side of the battle on the second day and the whole battle itself. However this is one of the best books written thus far that explains what happened during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day. This book does describe the vital encounter between the 15th Alabama regiment headed by Col. William Oates and the 20th Maine headed by Col Joshua L. Chamberlain. It also describes the other regiments of Law's brigade, such as the Texas and Georgia regiments who's struggle for the Round Tops were just as violent and bloody. The book does a fair assessment of the tactics and viewpoint of Gen. Evander Law as well during the battle. This book makes a fine addition to any Civil War enthusiasts library, or for the casual reader who would like to read about the Battle Of Gettysburg. Highly Recommended!

With a name like Henry Steele Commanger one would expect him to be a writer of history. And boy is he!! A whole section in my library is filled with his amazing works.

This one is a two Volume Set - with Volume 1 starting with the nomination of Abraham Lincoln as President of the US and follows the events to the bloody three-day battle of Gettysburg, the highwater mark of the Confederacy. Volume 2 takes us from the aftermath of Gettysburg and follows the war to Lee's surrender at Appomattox.

The works are surprisingly slim considering what it covers, so this is not an in-depth look at the War Between the States. It does however give a gold mine of details. For someone looking to understand the war, its causes and the people that fought it, this is a wonderful place to start.

Highly recommended for the beginning or intermediate Civil War Buff.

There are over 400 articles and over two-dozen illustrations reproduced in this notable collection which is subtitled "The Story of the Civil War as Told By Participants." These words are taken from speeches, letters, editorials, diaries, memoirs, poems, articles, reports, orders, and even the sheet music of the day. Henry Steele Commager, the legendary American historian, covers every aspect of the war in his chapters: the events and issues leading up to the war, the great battles and campaigns, life on the home front as well as on the front lines and in the prisons, even the songs of the soldiers on both sides. You will find not only Lincoln and Lee in their own words, but ordinary soldiers and former slaves, along with ambassadors to foreign nations and women trying to keep the home fires burning. As a collection of excerpts of primary documents this is first-rate volume that will surely add to your knowledge about the Civil War, bringing a more personal touch than you get even with the historical narratives of Catton and Foote.

Just the notes connecting the first person peices of these volumes make for a good history of the Civil War! They're short but good. But that is not the point. The accounts themselves are by soldiers (and sometimes civilians) written as they lived the adventure and tragedy of the Civil War. Cavalry raids come to life. Battles materialize before your eyes. Even the "dull" days of waiting are filled with a vibrance. All this is done, not by "authors" but by folks like you and me. And it is true from the begining to end. The descriptions of the very first shot of the war at Fort Sumpter are absolutely paralyzing! They are from Mary Boykin Chesnut. And there is the Indiana farm boy who got the news that the war had begun while husking corn with his father. His surprise and sense of excitment riveted me almost as though I hadn't known of the war myself before I read his account. From these beginnings to Appomatox, this two volume series is a ripping good read. Buy these books! --- Scott Brundage

This book presents the whole impact of the Gettysburg battle during our Civil War. Life at Gettysburg and related skirmishes are described beautifully. The text flows smoothly while not compromising historical facts. But the photographs just bowled me over. I have seen numerous Civil War photographs but Frassanito has rendered us a jewel here. Rare and not so rare photographs are described relative to events and places. Many show the locale as it appears in the present day. What a treasured work that obviously took immense effort, knowledge, and a genuine love of history.
If you are into history or even a casual peruser of history get this volume. If you are a Civil War buff then you probably have this book. If you do not. Get it. Excellent work.

The majority of most military histories tend to dwell solely on the combatants and the battles fought, and ignore non-military life as it occurred before and after the event. This masterpiece by Frassanito investigates the battle of Gettysburg, paying attention to the town life of Gettysburg before the battle and after the battle. Frassanito has made his imprint in military history by focussing on the photographic legacy that has remained. This book examines hundreds of photographs of the battle in minute detail. Included are the photographic studies made famous by Alexander Gardner and Matthew Brady, including the rebel sharpshooter lying dead in Devil's Den. Also included are the rare photographs, such as shots of the afore mentioned sharpshooter lying in the field where he actually died, before Gardner dragged him to the spot where he was immortalized. But the most important element of the book is the way that Frassanito examines life (by photograph) of the town of Gettysburg before and after the battle. He provides the historian with many invaluable aids, including panoramic shots of the town, and a photo study of the creation of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. He introduces the reader to the inhabitants of the town so well you come to almost know them. During a recent visit to the battlefield, I stopped at the Evergreen Cemetery and was surprised at the sense of attachment I had to people who had died almost one hundred years before I was born, especially Peter and Elizabeth Thorn, the keepers of the cemetery Gatehouse, which features prominently throughout the book. This is truly one of the greatest treasures of Civil War history, and one no historian should be without.

While most volumes of this genre tend to emphasize research over readability, Frassanito manages to combine both to produce this authorative work. A sequel to his excellent "Gettysburg, A Journey in Time", this book can be devoured by the casual Civil War buff, as well as the researcher needing solid reference documentation. Over 400 pages of seldom seen photographs of the battlefield at Gettysburg cover everything from the battle itself to the history of the photos and the photographers. With a price of $49.95 this Thomas Publication is a must for any history collection.

Exceptionally written. Author keeps you 'in' the action. Does a super job of letting you see through words the events of the time. Paints the picture well. The author's rendition of the women of Gettysburg is enlightening, especially since we typically read only of men in times of war.

This is an unusual novel about the marvelous ways which women gave comfort and love during the civil war, an ode of love as responsibility in the care of others. While many books chronicle the adventures of males during this war, this is the first I have seen to get to the heart of the woman as homemaker, caregiver, and patriot. It is a book you will remember and ponder long after reading. The characters are diverse and stimulating. As fine a work of historical fiction as I have seen. It has everything from sexual abuse, to burying of body parts after surgery, to helping slaves to get north, to family conflicts. Throughout there is the heroism of women. I highly recommend it.

Peggy Ullman Bell's second book does NOT disappoint! This is an excellent historical fiction from the author of "Psappha, a Novel of Sappho," and will definitely be noticed! Well written, vivid, accurate historically, a fascinating and exciting read. And a most enjoyable story of a young woman's coming of age. Ms. Bell's writing in this book, as in "Psappha", takes you there and you can watch the story unfold! Hope to hear a LOT more from this Excellent author....

This book starts off with a great and fair introduction to the two stories that are to be told by William Oates of the Confederacy and Frank Haskell of the Union. Written by Glenn LaFantasie the lengthy introduction writes about both Civil War authors Oates and Haskell. He is careful in explaining that each man's history, background and present situation which may have had an effect on their writing. After the introduction William Oates of the 15th Alabama structures his story first by giving an historical view of the army movments north and south as a prelude to the battle of Gettysburg. His writing of such a history could probably have been eliminated while his story of marching to Gettysburg and his role in the battle should have taken precedent. Oates offers his controversial view of the battle which is interesting in many ways. Not only does he tell his story but he tells it painted his way. Being a reader of many Gettysburg related books, it is easy to find fault with some of Oates' story. Though this is what makes this book interesting. We need to know what Oates considered and thought was how things went instead of guessing. We need something to stand on and his story though it may not be accurate is very descriptive and essential for understanding the battle.

While Oates offered his view of the 15th Alabama's fight to take Little Round Top, a great story is to follow written by Frank Haskell. Unfortunately, Haskell tends to waste the immediate structure of the battle like Oates had earlier. He tells the readers where such a corps was placed, who was advancing, etc. This boring non-relating story he tells doesn't tell about him or his action in the battle. After this quick and non essential tale of the battle of Gettysburg, Haskell finally gets to his involvement in the fight. This is where Haskell gets interesting. He is very fair on his descriptions and how he associates with other Generals during the conflict. His tale of Pickett's Charge and the carnage is excellent. I really liked Haskell's discipline in not reacting to telling about a battle on the field that he didn't take part in or had not witnessed. His graphic tale of Pickett's charge and the movements covered certainly placed myself right along with him on the field. He builds up Day #3 of Gettysburg very well and comes to a complete end to his story without dragging the reader.

For the novice reader of the battle of Gettysburg, I wouldn't recommend this book as it is not generalized enough to understand without reading more of the basic battles of the three day saga. For the advanced reader looking for more historical insight written by two soldiers that were actually there, this is an excellent book and I recommend it completely.

Gettysburg is a well written book by two soldiers who fought in the battle. COL William C. Oates fought for the Confederate side and LT Frank A. Haskell fought for the Union side. Each soldier captured his side of the battle in great detail. The stories are well written and easy to read. It is very interesting to read about the different viewpoints of the battle. COL Oates gives a great analysis of why the Confederates lost the battle and how they could have won it. I highly recommend this book for all fans of the Battle of Gettysburg.

In order to fully appreciate this minute by minute account you should first see the movie"gettysburg" and visit the national park. The detail of how the soldiers were placed comes to life and even more amazing is the recounting of how the soldiers felt, what they were thinking and the general's strategies in leading their men. I highly recommend the audio tapes of this book.... If you've been there, if you've studied the battle, you will be completely mesmerized!!!

In moving, concise words, Gustafson has captured the spirits of those who fought in the drama of the Civil War. This dramatic, compelling little book moves the reader from an abstract high school concept of the war which shaped our nation into looking at the slaughter of over 600,000 American men (2% of the population) through their own eyes. An excellent read!

The gun-smoke souls of the dead from the Civil War spirit on in the empathetic penning of poet Joseph Gustafson. In Gettysburg Voices: Civil War Poems, Gustafson brings stinging emotions and thoughts into the reader who in turn is afforded spiritual haunt, the Whitmanesque, soft and hard pain, message, and love for language in expressing poetic reaction to the actions of man in time.

- Michael Hood

Gettysburg Voices is a unique book that describes, with passion and compassion, battles of Gettysburg, as well as spiritual moments in the lives of individual soldiers who fought in that war. This is a wonderful gift for anyone interested in the Civil War or interested in history. These are historical poems, in a sense, and very moving. Gettysburg Voices reminds us of our roots to this great country of America.

Taking us back to that fateful day on July 3rd 1863, John Michael Priest does indeed take us "INTO THE FIGHT" as we are told the story of Pickett's Charge. While reading this book, one can't help but be transported back in time to that smoke filled battlefield on the ridges of Gettysburg. By using first hand accounts by the soldiers who were there, Priest gives the reader a vivid picture of what it must have been like to experience the terror of that chaotic day's fighting from both Union & Confederate sides. Numerous maps throughout the book (25 to be exact) clearly illustrate troop movements and artillery placement making it easy for the reader to follow along as the action unfolds. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anybody interested in understanding the third days fighting at Gettysburg. The maps alone are worth the price of admission.

In this book ,as you read, you can't help but keep looking at your watch. A minute by minute account of the famous charge.You feel as if you are in the ranks on both sides in that bloody attack and stalwart defense on Cemetery Ridge. THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC TO COMPARE WITH GEORGE STEWART'S BOOK ON PICKETT'S CHARGE. Amust read for all GETTYSBURG BUFFS.

John Michael Priest has once again displayed the literary art to which he seems born. This book is so utterly enthralling, it is almost like reading a novel. Even the veteran of many Gettysburg book readings will hinge on the story of Pickett's charge as told by Priest. His use of numerous primary sources lends to his telling of the story by the participants themselves. Each individual story then coalesces into a coherent and understandable analysis of how the charge developed and died. Priest gives both Confederate and Union impressions an equal treatment, creating a full veiw of the action. His writing brings out the horror, sadness, terror, pride, honor and exhultation felt by those actually present on that fateful day. Previous knowledge of the battle or Pickett's action is not needed to enjoy this work. Priest follows the action closely, developing it enough for the beginner or simply curious to understand. For those with a background in Civil War history, even Pickett's charge, the personal accounts still make the account a worthwhile read.