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9th out of 116 books
—
45 voters
Cain at Gettysburg
by
Ralph Peters
Two mighty armies blunder toward each other, one led by confident, beloved Robert E. Lee and the other by dour George Meade. They’ll meet in a Pennsylvania crossroads town where no one planned to fight.
In this sweeping, savagely realistic novel, the greatest battle ever fought on American soil explodes into life at Gettysburg. As generals squabble, staffs err. Tragedy u
Hardcover, 432 pages
Published
February 28th 2012
by Forge Books
(first published February 14th 2012)
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As good as Shaara's "Killer Angels' was, Peters' "Cain at Gettysburg" is the best Civil War novel I've read. Peters's military background shows, especially in the study of the ground fought over and of the men doing the fighting. His writing, always assured, has reached a new level of skill. His depiction of combat decisions and the reality of Civil War fighting is unsurpassed. (He's even better at depicting military actions than Bernard Cornwell, which is a staggering accomplishment.) His depic...more
Every bit as good as Shaara’s Killer Angels! Peters presents a slightly different view of the Battle of Gettysburg from Shaara, but it is every bit as readable and memorable. Where Shaara used the Battle for Little Round Top and the 20th Maine and Joshua Chamberlain as the focal point of his account of the battle, Peters uses the battles of the first day and the 26th North Carolina and the 26th Wisconsin as the two Regiments he follows. He also portrays the 69th Pennsylvania and the 26th NC agai...more
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got about 25 pages in. Reads well. He starts with George Meade's, the
"snapping turtle", appointment as a commander of the army of the
potomac. He is a gearhead and is reluctant to accept the appointment
and get into politicking among the generals. His engineering task (he
is a civil engineer by trade) of organizing the army for the
battle. The narrative then switches to a company of poor southern
grunts who think themselves lucky to fight for the Cause and to escape
a clutch of kids and drudgery of fa...more
"snapping turtle", appointment as a commander of the army of the
potomac. He is a gearhead and is reluctant to accept the appointment
and get into politicking among the generals. His engineering task (he
is a civil engineer by trade) of organizing the army for the
battle. The narrative then switches to a company of poor southern
grunts who think themselves lucky to fight for the Cause and to escape
a clutch of kids and drudgery of fa...more
In the afterword to Cain At Gettysburg, Ralph Peters said that the purpose of his book was to write an anti-The Killer Angels. At a minimum this means a tale from Meade’s perspective, rather than Lee’s. But it is true in myriad other ways:
Peters hovers in the camps of immigrant Germans, Poles, Irish men, rather than native Anglo-Saxon stock.
Soldiers are brooding, profane, base, and despising or questioning of God rather than chaste, virtuous, and reverent.
Fights and charges are mean, cruel, and...more
Peters hovers in the camps of immigrant Germans, Poles, Irish men, rather than native Anglo-Saxon stock.
Soldiers are brooding, profane, base, and despising or questioning of God rather than chaste, virtuous, and reverent.
Fights and charges are mean, cruel, and...more
As I read the last chapters of this book, I was in tears. How did we ever survive the consequences of the Civil War? How did we mend our souls after Gettysburg? Why didn't the war end July 1864?
I'll tell you why it didn't end....it was General Lee's pride. Yet, I am a 'fan' of Robert E. Lee, he was a great man and adored by the 'South'. But his inner pride,even as he viewed his destroyed army, could not wave the white flag. Following Gettysburg, he did ask Jefferson Davis to release him from his...more
I'll tell you why it didn't end....it was General Lee's pride. Yet, I am a 'fan' of Robert E. Lee, he was a great man and adored by the 'South'. But his inner pride,even as he viewed his destroyed army, could not wave the white flag. Following Gettysburg, he did ask Jefferson Davis to release him from his...more
There was only one problem with this book: The cover blurb says: "Surpasses Michael Shaara's classic 'The Killer Angels.'" Now "The Killer Angels" is on my personal fiction top ten list, so this book started off having a high bar to reach. While there certainly are echos of Shaara's classic, this book takes a somewhat different perspective. Imagine a tale of Gettysburg without mention of Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and only the barest reference to General Lewis Armistead. Instead we meet th...more
If something works once, why not try it again? Shaara's book, "Killer Angels," is rightly evaluated positively. It humanized Gettysburg and provided different perspectives on the battle and the role of personalities. Ralph Peters does the same thing here. And he is quite successful.
Some of the characters through whose eyes we see the battle are familiar, such as James Longstreet. Others are different, such as George Gordon Meade. The tale is also told from the perspective of troops in the ranks....more
Some of the characters through whose eyes we see the battle are familiar, such as James Longstreet. Others are different, such as George Gordon Meade. The tale is also told from the perspective of troops in the ranks....more
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Cain at Gettysburg, by Ralph Peters, is a new historical novel describing the bloody three-day battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July1-3, 1863. Gettysburg is still the largest land battle ever fought on the North American continent, and was the bloodiest of the American Civil War.
While superficially similar in scope to Michael Shaara's epic novel The Killer Angels, Peters' book focuses on the battle leaders on both sides, as well as several of the enlisted men from a Confederate regiment (...more
While superficially similar in scope to Michael Shaara's epic novel The Killer Angels, Peters' book focuses on the battle leaders on both sides, as well as several of the enlisted men from a Confederate regiment (...more
Cain at Gettysburg is the finest Civil War novel I’ve read since The Killer Angels. It seems there are so many different aspects to the Battle of Gettysburg that you can tell the same story from a different perspective and it still seems new. While Cain covers some of the same ground as The Killer Angels it also breaks new ground right from the start. General George Meade is awakened in the middle of the night and told he’s been given command of the Army of the Potomac only three days before the...more
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An historic-fiction telling if events during the infamous Civil War battle at Gettysburg. That pretty much sums up the plot.
History as taught in the classroom is so boring. History should be told like this novel. I have to admit that I am not at all familiar with the details concerning events occurring during this epic battle. My limited knowledge of events probably made this even more enjoyable. It was full of excitement and suspense. The descriptions of man versus cannon were all vivid. You kn...more
History as taught in the classroom is so boring. History should be told like this novel. I have to admit that I am not at all familiar with the details concerning events occurring during this epic battle. My limited knowledge of events probably made this even more enjoyable. It was full of excitement and suspense. The descriptions of man versus cannon were all vivid. You kn...more
Much like Shaara’s "The Killer Angels", Peters’ "Cain at Gettysburg" is a fictional account of the battle of Gettysburg. But while there are similarities between the two books, they are definitely not the same. While there are several scenes in Cain at Gettysburg that are very reminiscent of "The Killer Angels", utilizing similar dialogue, one can only assume these are actual quotes from the participants that were used by both authors. Shaara’s narrative concentrated on Chamberlain’s 20th Maine...more
This historical novel compares favorably with Michael Shaara"s "The Killer Angels". One key difference is the focus. "Killer Angels" was written in 1974 and the nation's Vietnam experience resulted in the military being held in low esteem. Shaara focused on the larger than life characters that were at the center of the Gettysburg campaign. Here, Peters not only gives Lee and Meade a focus but also the lowest infantry soldiers on both sides a realistic coverage. It's fiction , but also good histo...more
This was a great book. I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction but I'm a big fan of Civil War history. Of course good historical fiction is based in fact, and Peters sticks to the facts. Great battle descriptions, capturing both the physical challenges and the emotions. His characters are compelling, another requirement of good historical fiction. I wasn't aware of how General Meade was thrust into leadership. The most sympathetic character on the Confederate side is General Longstreet. I don't...more
This is the type of historical novel that I always hope for but rarely find. I hated to put it down.
No spoon-feeding information; Peters assumes you know the basics of Gettysburg. He makes Jeff Shaara's work read like middle school journals (and I like Shaara's stuff.) Same basic principle, better execution. Peters follows many of the more famous officers, both North and South, as well as some enlisted men on both sides, over the course of the days of late June and early July of 1863. The charac...more
No spoon-feeding information; Peters assumes you know the basics of Gettysburg. He makes Jeff Shaara's work read like middle school journals (and I like Shaara's stuff.) Same basic principle, better execution. Peters follows many of the more famous officers, both North and South, as well as some enlisted men on both sides, over the course of the days of late June and early July of 1863. The charac...more
The Battle of Gettysburg has always been one of my passions. It made small men great, tested great men and decided the fate of a nation. The "high water of the Confederacy" broke against a low stone wall on Cemetery Ridge and so much of this nation's future was put in motion. But, we're talking about this book.
This is as good a work of historical fiction as I've read and deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with Killer Angels. When an author can generate as much tension and suspense as he does...more
This is as good a work of historical fiction as I've read and deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with Killer Angels. When an author can generate as much tension and suspense as he does...more
Excellently written and researched book - does not replace "The Killer Angels" as the definitive historical fiction book about Gettysburg, but is certainly a great addition to the genre. Attempts to show the military aspect of the battle (Peters is, after all, a military historian) instead of the personal side. In fact, it is the personal side of the book where Peters falls down a little - when he attempt s to show personality, the writing gets somewhat unrealistic. But he is solid on the milita...more
While Shaara's The Killer Angels is still the classic novel about the Battle of Gettysburg, this book is right up there. It is very readable and accessible, with interesting characters and convincing narrative concerning the battle. Peters' description of how the battle was managed or mismanaged by those in charge, his depiction of squabbles and and infighting on both sides, and his portrayals of ordinary men caught up in a nightmarish horror of a battle were compelling and absorbing. He does mu...more
This book followed the three day battle of Gettysburg but didn't romanticize one particular company. It was much more realistic than Killer Angels.
It showed and described in more detail the more gruesome and human details of war and army life for all soldiers from generals down to privates.
The writing style of the author ws more difficult for me to follow in the beginning but once I because familiar with it, I couldn't put it down. His story line is a mix of both the north and south. It is writ...more
It showed and described in more detail the more gruesome and human details of war and army life for all soldiers from generals down to privates.
The writing style of the author ws more difficult for me to follow in the beginning but once I because familiar with it, I couldn't put it down. His story line is a mix of both the north and south. It is writ...more
Outstanding novel! Better than "Killer Angels" about the same battle."Angels" develops the characters of the generals and extremely well. But This book develops the characters of not only the generals but also the grunts and NCO's. The book weaves together many threads; for example, it shows how the personalities and decisions of the generals affect, tragically in many cases, the troops in the field. The book gives you a sense of ancient animosities underlying the hatreds at Gettysburg. Irish im...more
This book is a solid 4 stars and possibly 4.5. I very much enjoyed the different perspective from the norm...against my initial thoughts to the contrary. I very much enjoy hearing about certain events in this battle, but that wasn't what this book was about. It focused on the 26th Wisconsin and the 26th North Carolina but incorporated key events from each day. We saw the initial foray between the Rebs and the Union men on July 1. The events of July 2 focused on the Peach Orchard and Wheat field....more
Peters' telling of the story of Gettysburg simultaneously through the eyes of the general officers who made the decisions and the soldiers who fought the battle provides the perfect balance of historical narrative, details and human drama. Excellent book. Part of the reason is because Peters himself comes from the perspective of a professional soldier and officer. He paints the battle in as realistic light as possible. How these men endured the hardships and horrors of campaigning and war withou...more
This is a very good piece of historical fiction about the Battle of Gettysburg. I especially like the way Cain shows the reader the diversity among the men fighting this battle and this war (Irish, German, psychotic, stoic, heroic). Cain's graphic battle imagery is very compelling. My only complaint is with the formulaic element where the author splits his scrutiny between commanders and men in the ranks--and neither comes across as strongly as they could, if the author were to fore go such a sp...more
Very well written, and it puts a different spin on the generals than previously assumed. In this book, General George Meade is portrayed as reluctant, but calculating, and he is the hero of the Army of the Potomac. Ralph Peters also gives interesting insight as to the life of the common soldier within either army, and he does not spare the foulness of their language or thoughts.
This novel brings the Civil War to life, both North & South. Officers & ordinary soldiers who believed in their cause are drawn on the tapestry of an accidental battlefield, as the story reaches its historic, true climax. War may be folly, but fateful decisions are made with the only information at hand, by mere mortals. The author does justice to his subject.
This book makes a point of driving home the horrors of war. One could argue to the point of beating you over the head with it. Since people are fond of glorifying war, maybe that was Ralph Peters' point. It is a very interesting read providing some very thought provoking interpretations of the men, strengths and weaknesses, that went into the battle.
This is a well-written book about the battle at Gettysburg that is easier to follow than the brilliant "Killer Angels." Peters explains that partially, saying that he brings out the people more than the strategy. The downside for the slightly squeamish is that Peters' descriptions of wounds, deaths and horror are pretty graphic. "Cain at Gettysburg" depicts General Lee as someone positive he knew how the battle should be fought and devastated when the outcome proved him wrong. The Civil War is s...more
A great description of the battle and those involved, from the generals to the common soldier. If you knew nothing about the battle, this book's scope would give you a very good appreciation of battle in it's entirety , as well as a close look at the different men who fought the battle. Fast moving and well written, if you want to know about the battle of Gettysburg, this is the one to read!
I'm generally not into historical fiction (There's an oxymoron for ya!) but this book was well researched and written. My only criticism was that the characters were a bit too modernistic & cynical—were portrayed more like Vietnam vets rather than what was the real mindset of the average 19th century soldier.
Oh my. Don't do this. The author assumes you've read Michael Shaara's "The Killer Angels" and much of this book is confusing without the background provided by Shaara. In my opinion, without Killer Angels this book is not understandable, and if you enjoyed Killer Angels this book is unnecessary.
I was very disappointed in this work.
I was very disappointed in this work.
Very good book about Gettysburg. Peters does a good job of portraying the struggles of the men and officers during this battle. He really delves Into the personalities of many of the officers on both sides....their doubts and fears, etc regarding the strategy and outcome of the battle.
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Ralph Peters is a novelist, an essayist, a former career soldier, and an adventurer in the 19th-century sense. He is the author of a dozen critically acclaimed novels, two influential works on strategy, "Beyond Terror" and "Fighting for the Future".
Mr. Peters' works can also be found under the pen name "Owen Parry." He also appears frequently as a commentator on television and radio networks.
http:...more
More about Ralph Peters...
Mr. Peters' works can also be found under the pen name "Owen Parry." He also appears frequently as a commentator on television and radio networks.
http:...more
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