McPherson's Ridge: The First Battle For The High Ground, July 1, 1863

by Steven H. Newton

The opening engagement of the battle of Gettysburg was crucial in determining the outcome of the battle three days later. In what is often seen as the Civil War's Waterloo, the early contest for the wooded McPherson's Ridge is considered by many to be the battle's most crucial stage. Da Capo's new "Battleground America" series offers a unique approach to the battles and battlefields of America. Each book in the series highlights a small American battlefield-sometimes a small portion of a much larger battlefield-and tells the story of the brave soldiers who fought there. Using soldiers' memoirs, letters and diaries, as well as contemporary illustrations, the human ordeal of battle comes to life on the page. All of the units, important individuals, and actions of each engagement on the battlefield are described in a clear and concise narrative. Detailed maps complement the text and illustrate small unit action at each stage of the battle. Then-and-now photographs tie the dramatic events of the past to the modern battlefield site and highlight the importance of terrain in battle. The present-day historical site of the battle is described in detail with suggestions for touring.

Genres: Civil War, History, American Civil War

118 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1990

About the author

I've always read lots of SF and written lots of history.

Now I'm trying to reverse those trends, using the experience of thirty-five years of researching and writing history as the springboard to tell some great stories.

Here's me in a nutshell: 21 years in the US military (active and reserve); 27 years at Delaware State University (teaching history); father of three (now grown) children, including twins; raising a grandson; married for 26 years to a much smarter, more accomplished woman than me.

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome entry in Da Capo's battle series, this one was a pleasure to read and was very enjoyable. The author included many eyewitness accounts of the struggle for McPherson's Ridge, as well as a series of maps to help reinforce the narrative. I wish there were more titles in this series that moved the spotlight from Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge to some of the lesser known aspects that comprise the battle of Gettysburg. Overall, a very good read!!

[William Sawicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intimate look at the first day at “Gettysburg”. A must have for any Civil War library

[Mark Levandoski · Rating 2 out of 5]

Standard unit movement telling of that portion of battle,with a very small amount of other detail.Short and concise.