The Killer Angels

Rating:
Summary: Doom on the over Confident!
Review: My knowledge of the ACW (American Civil War)and specifically The battle of Gettysburg was limited to the one American history class and various familiarity with the Generals from ACW board games. But, after reading The Killer Angels I have an enormous respect for every American (Northern and Southern) whom fought in this battle. I realize this is historical fiction and opinions of precise personalities may be of debate, but the battle events I feel were historically accurate.

In my opinion, Lee's overconfidence of his rebel yelling high morale troops was his doom in this battle. Lee should have listened to his general's opinions and suggestions. Although, I recognize that I am a mere novice and realize how easy it is to be a critic when I have not lived a day in Lee's shoes. I will look forward to reading Jeff Shaara's 'Gods and Generals' which will hopefully enlighten me to the feel of that era.

Rating:
Summary: A Compelling Call to Self-Evaluation
Review: I have read this book twice, with almost five years between each endeavor. I took away something a little different each time, and I am wondering what reaction the third effort will one day produce. The Civil War became a real event in ways hard to explain after my first reading. Never had I been so affected by an historical novel. The second reading left me with questions still unanswered - especially since I am a product of arguably one of the most selfish and self-centered generations/cultures in the history of he world. What manner of man suffered hardships almost unthinkable by today's standards just to reach the scene of battle, and then, exhausted from two days of battle, willingly marched over a mile's distance toward an almost certain violent death? All for a principle and a "cause" - flawed, yet compelling beyond anything most of us today will ever imagine or understand. Unfortunately, no one really seems to care that much about anything any more (except for themselves). Shaara's insights as to what motivated the soldiers of that era were quite revealing, and a major part of what made his work so gripping. I was constantly asking myself, what would I have done in their place? Would I have had the courage of Buford, Chamberlain, Armistead, and Pickett, and their men, in the same circumstances - against overwhelming odds? Perhaps if history were always taught from such a personal perspective, more Americans would be interested in learning about it, and fewer of the past's mistakes would be repeated. One of the most memorable and compelling books I have ever read, on any topic. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Historical Novel
Review: I generally prefer non-fiction to historical novels, but this book is exceptional. The writing is superb. Mr. Shaara captures the essense of what happened at Gettysburg. The mood and pace of the book are wonderful. If you have any interest in the Civil War or U.S. History read this book.

Rating:
Summary: the decisions of generals, and their victims...
Review: The Killer Angels is a fictionalised account of the Battle of Gettysburg. It is told quite effectively from the perspective of key officers from both sides of the battle. And for anyone who knows anything about this battle, it makes for sobering reading. One is left with nothing but a genuine sense of pity for all those involved.

For myself personally, a Yankee with very little knowledge or (until now) appreciation of the US Civil War, The Killer Angels really brought home the message that generals in a war "play God" with soldiers. In the Battle of Gettysburg thousands of lives were lost due to the incompetence and the hyperactive ego of a certain general and his staff. Such a terrible, terrible waste.

My only minor complaint of this (very readable and enjoyable) novel is Shaara's slight tendency to over-romanticise matters and downplay the utter gruesomeness of war. Thousands of dead and dying men and horses must of been an utterly appalling site. Yet I didn't sense the magnitude of this travesty from reading Shaara's words.

Bottom line: a very good, educational reading experience. Strongly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Read
Review: I was a history buff long before I read The Killer Angels several years ago. I think in this day and age, its important to look back at our history as Americans and appreciate everything we have and remember why we have it. Joshua Chamberlain is an important American figure, but many people have no idea who he was or what he did in his lifetime. The Battle of Gettysberg is a milestone in American history, and Michael Shaara did an excellent job in bringing the reader closer to understanding this battle and its importance. It is a fairly easy book to read, and highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the Civil War or American history.

Rating:
Summary: "Mine eyes have seen the glory..."
Review: THE KILLER ANGELS has to be the greatest Civil War novel that I've ever read. The novel not only puts you into the bloodiest battle on American soil, but the novel also puts a human face on the well-known characters, as well as staying almost 100% accurate to the real events.* Michael Shaara proves that he is one of the greatest authors of our time. This is a must read for anyone who loves excitement, drama, and history. Followed by GODS AND GENERALS, THE LAST FULL MEASURE, and GONE FOR SOLDIERS, all three written by Shaara's son, Jeff. Grade: A+

*Ronald F. Maxwell almost copied the story 100% for GETTYSBURG,
the acclaimed film version of THE KILLER ANGELS.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing Dry about it
Review: The book that inspired Ken Burns to create his definitive PBS account of the Civil War and used heavily in the movie Gettysburg, lives up to its reputation. It's strength is that it is a fictionalized account, taking us into the thoughts, fears and intentions of the key players in this three-day epic. We see how Lee developed his plan of attack, how Longstreet tried to convince him of the faults in his plan, how Hood and Pickett carried out the crucial elements of that plan, and how Joshua Chamberlain and his small band of Maine men thwarted those plans. But don't let the word 'fiction' fool you. Michael Shaara thoroughly researched every aspect of this book, obviously gleaning much from Chamberlain's and Longstreet's autobiographies as well as eyewitness accounts and established histories. But he incorporates the facts into an interesting, readable account that is both informative and interesting.

Rating:
Summary: Most definative battle in the history of the United States
Review: The battle of Gettysburg is most likely the most definative battle in U.S. history. It was without a doubt the most important battle of the Cival War. This book gets in the minds of various different commanders from both sides over a three day period. It is extremely interesting to see how different personal descions effected the outcome of this battle. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this book is the fact that it outlines ways in which the south could have easily won the war had it not been for poor descions and personal pride at this single battle. Had I read this book in High School I might have been persuaded to seek an education from West Point, to walk the same halls that many of the characters in the book walked so many years before.

Rating:
Summary: The killer Angels
Review: This is a great book for an advanced reader. The book contains great images and realistic scenes. While reading this book a student is most-likely to get confused on the way the book is set up. There is a lot of action in this book and that's whats make it that interesting. However, I would say that this book should be read in highschool because of the way the book is set up and the words are a little advanced. Reading this book has helped me learn a lot.

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Piece of Writing As Well
Review: At times in this wonderful novel the author's narrative approaches the realm of poetry--sometimes I had to read a line several times, so great was its beauty. Don't let the word "poetry" turn you off, however. This is not a ponderous, pedantic novel. It is an absorbing, rich read and a painless source of detailed knowledge about the Battle of Gettysburg.