I must admit that I have had this book on my bookshelves for a few years. I actually no longer recall how I came to own the book--whether it was given to me, picked up at a used bookstore/booksale or simply wandered into our shelves. I do recall that when I worked at a library many moons ago, one of the other librarians said her son loved Turtledove's books and Guns of the South happened to be one of his favorites because he was a Civil War buff. That is perhaps why the book remained on my bookshelf for years and never got passed on despite me not reading it.

I possibly didn't pick the book up sooner because I have not long been a fan of science fiction/fantasy, but have gradually come to appreciate the genres more. The reading was slow going on my part, but that had nothing to do with the book as much as it did my abnormally hectic summer schedule.

It's January of 1864, and General Robert E. Lee faces defeat because the Army of Northern Virginia is ill-equipped, cold, starving, and ragged. The defeat at the Battle of Gettysburg has cost the Confederacy dearly and decimated their numbers, leaving the Confederacy even more vulnerable to Grant's Army of the Potomac and military prowess.

What would happen though if a stranger appeared through time and offered Lee the ability to turn the tide and alter the course of history by supplying the Army of Northern Virginia and the rest of the Confederate Army with an unlimited supply of a single piece of modern weaponry? What would the North American continent be like divided into three countries (Canada, the United States, and the Confederate States of America)? What possible motivation could these men from the future have in coming back in time to alter the course of history?

While I must admit that despite the historical accuracy of the way characters were portrayed and some of the language used in the text, I cringed a bit at the beginnings of this book as I read of the treatment of slaves. However, I think Turtledove does an excellent job of balancing an exploration of the impact of slavery--an issue that divided even members of the Confederacy--and the issue of states rights. Turtledove does an exceptional job of character development, especially with the character of General Robert E. Lee, whose own letters Turtledove drew on to open the novel and then to help him develop Lee's character--a character imbued with a sense of both dignity and the overpressing need to always do his "duty". Turtledove's treatment of Lee's relationship with his invalid wife Mary Lee is well done. Even many of the minor characters in the novel get wonderful attention to detail paid to them.

Guns of the South is an intriguing look at a past that never was. Imagine, if you will, that it is January of 1864, and you are General Robert E. Lee. The manpower of your ragged and ill-equipped army has been severely depleted by the devastating defeat that it suffered at Gettysburg. Then, a strange man with an accent that you can't quite place comes to you with an unbelievable offer. He demonstrates for you an amazing weapon with an incredible rate of fire that the Union army's Spencer carbine rifles cannot come close to matching, and guarantees you an unlimited quantity of this weapon and the ammunition for it.

The weapon is an AK-47. Suffice it to say, this changes everything. The South wins the Civil War. Then they realize that they have a new and perhaps more dangerous enemy

Harry Turtledove's book is an intriguing work of alternative history, with just a dash of science fiction thrown in for good measure. While it is definitely an entertaining and fast paced read, it also gives the reader a good look at the central issues behind the Civil War (referred to in the book as The Second American Revolution). While slavery is an obvious issue, this book tries to focus on other issues as well, among them the South's opinion that it had the right to govern itself.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Turtledove's work. *****!

My very first experience with Harry Turtledove and alternate history. Not one of his best works, but it was good enough to make me want more. An enjoyable book for people who like what-if fiction.

Great read for Civil War buffs as well as SF fans. Fascinating alternate history.

Great book... Makes you think what might have happened iin alternate history.

Fast-paced and thoroughly engrossing! Must read for Civil War enthusiasts.

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This is the book that got me addicted to the alternate history genre. Although the way the South wins is a lot less believable than in Turtledove's later book How Few Remain, it is a page turner for sure.

I love this book and this author. So much fun to read, especially if you like the civil war era history

"As a civil war historian, I literally could not put The Guns of the South down. It is absolutely unique. . ." from back cover, Professor James M. McPherson, Princeton University.

Harry Tutledove is the master of alternative history. In this story the South is about to lose the Civil War when some visitors out of time supply them with modern weapons. After winning the war the mysterious visitors try to take over the Confederacy and have to be battled by the CSA.

January 1864--General Robert E. Lee faces defeat. The Army of Northern Virginia is ragged and ill-equipped. Gettysburg has broken the back of the Confederacy and decimated its manpower.
Then Andries Rhoodie, a strange man with an unplaceable accent, approaches Lee with an extraordinary offer. Rhoodie demonstrates an amazing rifle: its rate of fire is incredible, its lethal efficiency breathtaking--and Rhoodie guarantees unlimited quantities to the Confederacy.
The weapon is called an AK--47 . . .

One of the better ones of the genre

A very interesting read. What would've happened if the South won the Civil War?

Fascinating alternative take on "what might have been"....

****
Good story that provokes many thoughts.

Terrific read! Highly recommended! One of the best alternate history books I've come across.

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