Status
Collection
Publication
Description
After five years of research, comes a novel that explores how a victory for Robert E. Lee at The Battle of Gettysburg might have truly changed the course, and outcome, of the Civil War. One of the greatest "what if'' questions in U.S. history, the authors painstakingly researched the novel, holding roundtable meetings with top military minds to go over every page of the book, ensuring accurate, dramatic battle scenes, military strategy, and captivating period details. The Civil War is the American Iliad. Lincoln, Stonewall Jackson, Grant, and Lee still stand as heroic ideals, as stirring to our national memory as were the legendary Achilles and Hector to the world of the ancient Greeks. Within the story of our Iliad one battle stands forth above all others: Gettysburg. Millions visit Gettysburg each year to walk the fields and hills where Joshua Chamberlain made his legendary stand and Pickett went down to a defeat which doomed a nation, but in defeat forever became a symbol of the heroic Lost Cause. As the years passed, and the scars healed, the debate, rather than drifting away has intensified. It is the battle which has become the great "what if," of American history and the center of a dreamscape where Confederate banners finally do crown the heights above the town. The year is 1863, and General Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia are poised to attack the North and claim the victory that would end the brutal conflict. But Lee's Gettysburg campaign ended in failure, ultimately deciding the outcome of the war. Launching his men into a vast sweeping operation, of which the town of Gettysburg is but one small part of the plan, General Lee, acting as he did at Chancellorsville, Second Manassas, and Antietam, displays the audacity of old. He knows he has but one more good chance to gain ultimate victory, for after two years of war the relentless power of an industrialized north is wearing the South down. Lee's lieutenants and the men in the ranks, imbued with this renewed spirit of the offensive embark on the Gettysburg Campaign that many dream "should have been." The soldiers in the line, Yank and Reb, knew as well that this would be the great challenge, the decisive moment that would decided whether a nation would die, or be created, and both sides were ready, willing to lay down their lives for their Cause. An action-packed and painstakingly researched masterwork, Gettysburg stands as the first book in a series to tell the story of how history could have unfolded, how a victory for Lee would have changed the destiny of the nation forever. In the great tradition of The Killer Angels and Jeff Shaara's bestselling Civil War trilogy, this is a novel of true heroism and glory in America's most trying hour.… (more)
Media reviews
User reviews
My personal reaction is to thank Newt for a great story and a look into the times. He calls forth an emotional response of pride in both sides, tears at the tragedy, and some fear about the nature of man. If you like a good story or are an American History nut; this is a must read.
Both authors hold PhD.s in history, William Forstchen has authored numerous books of historical fiction and science fiction. The authors hold the position that history can best be understood by examining alternatives to what happened in history,
This book is set during the US Civil War, specifically in the last days of June and first days of July, 1863. It is about the leaders and how they interact. The leaders of both sides were well acquainted with each other, and in many cases, had served with one or more of the leaders on the other side. Even the individual solders would face friends, and sometimes relatives across the battlefield.
The book is primarily told in dialog form. In this manner, we get to know the generals on a personal level. We get a feel for how they think and how they interact with each other, and with their enemies.
Gettysburg goes further to give a feel for battle of the era. We see the effects of the fog of war, and the difficulty of decisions when mens lives are on the line. And we are made to feel the guilt at sending me to their deaths.
The battles are described in a bit much detail for my taste. It is gruesome, and bloody, and seems futile at times. The authors describe the weapons, primarily the rifles used and cannons, and their affects on the troops, both as individuals and as formations.
Gettysburg provides a few pictures throughout the book, that I felt were very well selected. These appear to be prints from daguerreotypes, mostly of men, in formation or relaxed. Some images are of the dead, on the field or lined for identification or burial. There are also a few maps. These images are not bloody, and fairly benign. Although they do not directly pertain to the story, they do seem to set the stage for the story, and I felt added a lot to the story. I do wish there were captions explaining a bit of what I was looking at.
I did enjoy this book ,and feel that anyone with a casual interest in the US Civil War will enjoy it, too.