Helpful Score: 6
One of the best books ever about the Civil War. It's historical fiction but the battle info is pretty much fact. It is about the Battle of Gettysburg as seen from the point of Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and other leaders there at the battle. Ken Burns said this book "changed his life" and after reading this, he did his "Civil War" production.
Helpful Score: 3
This is an exceptional book - even though I'm not "into" the Civil War, I found this to be very, very interesting. It explores the decisions and personalities on both sides of the Battle of Gettysburg, as well as the lay of the land, and helps you understand what went on throughout the planning and duration of the battle and why it was so devastating to all. You might think a novel based on one battle would be rather dry - not true, it is very readable. I recommend it!
Helpful Score: 1
Based on my reading of several non-fiction accounts of the battle, this follows history to a "T." It's been a while since I've read this and the other books, but I can't think of where Shaara diverged from history. Unlike, say, Island of the Blue Dolphins or First Man of Rome, where there is scant historical record, this battle has been so dissected that it would be hard to get a new fictional perspective on it.
A page turner. A great piece of historical fiction that motivated me to read more actual American history.
