The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War by Michael Shaara Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $3.65 You Save: $4.34 (54%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War
Book Review: A magnificent novel of the Civil War.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful fictionalized account of the battle of Gettysburg, told from the perspective of many of those principally responsible for fighting it. Author Michael Shaara based his characters on the actual historical figures themselves, and it's obvious that he took great pains to present his characters with historical accuracy. I really felt I got to know men like Joshua Chamberlain, Robert E. Lee, John Buford, and James Longstreet. The same is true for his descriptions of combat: they are vigorous, colorful, tough, gritty and realistic. I could almost smell the gunpowder and hear the musketry as I read along. For me, the book's greatest strength was the powerful way it conveyed the tragedy of war in general, and of the Civil War in particular. "The Killer Angels" is certainly the best Civil War novel I've ever read, and maybe the best novel about the war between the states ever written.Book Review: A masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
There are no words to properly convey the greatness of this book. It is quite simply a masterpiece.Book Review: A masterpiece about life and human nature
Summary: 5 Stars
Killer Angels is one of the best books I have ever read. It is so much more than just a "war book". It is a book about life, faith, human nature, and the agonizing tensions that we all must face in this life. Everyone in a position of leadership should read this book.Book Review: A moving story of men and war
Summary: 5 Stars
This book came out during a period when I had no time to read. Then when the time came along, it was next to impossible to find a copy. I finally did track one down and was blown away. I adore Scottish History, but since I was raised part time in the States, I grew to love the complexities of the Civil War (in the South US it's called the War Between the States). The reasons for the war, the motivation for people to fight their neighbour, often their own brother or family members was mesmerising. Bruce Catton gave me such insight into all the factors through his marvellous works, so I thought no writer could touch him in making you feel, see and understand the men, the generals, the affect the Civil War had on a nation.However, a writer did, and oddly enough with fiction. Michael Shaara won a Pulitzer Prize for the moving work that focuses on the one pivotal battle, the high-water mark of the War Between the States. He gives you the frustration of men driven to kill their brothers, of the futility, the waste. Centring on Lee, floundering at the loss of his right hand Jackson, of being cut off from screening and blind without information because Stuart was on one of his glory rides, of one general who could not follow orders, of another, Longstreet, who followed them to the letter knowing he was sending his 'boys' to their death in the glorious, yet ultimately disastrous Pickett's charge.
But it through Col. J.L. Chamberlain where Shaara succeeds the most, in giving you the humanity, the nightmare, the pathos, of the men of 20th Maine regiment, volunteers who held the Union's left flank on the second day of the battle at Little Round Top.
The book is so moving, so touching that it makes you view the war in a way you never have before. If only, he had included Captain James Hall of the 2nd Maine Battery...
This was turned into the wonderful film GETTYSBURG, which I also recommend highly with some truly memorable performances. However, be sure to read the book as well, for you will never forget the beautiful prose of Shaara.
Also recommended are Jeff Shaara his son's books that form a trilogy with Gods and General the prequel and The Last Full Measure the Ending.
Book Review: A must for history lovers
Summary: 5 Stars
The author brings the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War to life in this wonderful novel. He uses the alternating views from the officers of both sides of the conflict, thus making you feel as you are right with them, culminating in the horrific and tragic end of the battle.
There is a whole lot more to the tale than you remember from our history lessons in school (public schools = nothing much learned), and I was truly saddened by the incredible loss of life due to the mistakes of the priveleged few, the generals. No wonder they say Gettysburg is one of the most haunted places in America.
Highly recommended, an entertaining read and an excellent history lesson in the bargain.