What do you think?
Rate this book
Gettysburg #1
Gettysburg
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 by Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen, 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. This is a novel of true heroism and glory in America's most trying hour.
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 by Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen, 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. This is a novel of true heroism and glory in America's most trying hour.
463 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2003
191 people are currently reading
2342 people want to read
About the author
Newt Gingrich
115 books540 followersNewt Gingrich is well-known as the architect of the “Contract with America” that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in forty years. After he was elected Speaker, he disrupted the status quo by moving power out of Washington and back to the American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed welfare reform, the first balanced budget in a generation, and the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
Read
August 17, 2010I am of two minds about this book. On the one hand it is well written, fast paced, with good characterizations of the generals and dialogue based on historical behavior, graphic and gripping battle descriptions that had my hair on end. It focusses on well known personalities such as Hunt, Chamberline and Armistead so. But as the book progressed I found myself not wanting to read on as the novel more and more digressed from reality. Part of this is due to my northern leanings, my dislike of Newt and what he stands for, and the idea that he and his ilk could have prevailed -- evil over good. But part of me rebelled at how the rebels make all the correct moves and have all the good luck, while the yankees make all the wrong moves and have all the bad luck. As a civil war buff with passable knowledge of the Gettysburg campaign, the authors' premises -- a more involved Lee, taking Longstreet's advice not to attack, and executing flanking marches ala 2nd Manassas and Chancellorsville -- are very plausible. But then everything goes right. Even Lee's few missteps such as Ewell's failure to attack on the left flank on July 4, has no detrimental effect because Lee takes personal charge late in the day and prevails. I doubt whether this outcome was likely or even possible, and became furious as I watched the alternate historians seemingly rewrite history to minimize all of Lee's problems and maximize Meade's. I suspect that this is the history that Newt and many others wish had happened, and I, the reader, am powerless to stop them. They obviously idolize Lee and Longsteet (how many times does Lee say this in the book about his men?). I do recommend this book to Civil War history buffs. Those with limited knowledge of the actual campaign and the personalities will probably find little to engage them. The author's play off Lee's historical complacency and indecision but gives far too little credit to the union commanders. For want of horse . . .
July 26, 2010
I bought this book because William Forstchen is co-author on it and I've liked a lot of his work. I have a feeling most of the heavy lifting on the book was done by Forstchen, because it reads much like his independent fiction. I liked it a lot.
July 3, 2012
Not a bad read. Any one who's a military history buff has probably looked at this battle and wondered what was going on in Lee's mind. He'd shown himself to be a master tactician over and over winning battles against overwhelming odds. He'd demonstrated the folly of an infantry charge against entrenched infantry and artillery, yet he ordered Pickett's charge. He acted without adequate intelligence. Where he could have side stepped the battle and possibly moved toward Washington he fought a battle that pretty much ended the war as he could not possibly make up his losses while the Union could field more troops than he could imagine even with equal losses.
The whys of course will never really be answered for real (at least not here and now) but writers can examine the questions. This is a pretty interesting read and done well. While I don't care for a lot of Civil War fiction (the bloodiest time in our history that only started settling some problems and left a lot of hate in its wake...very sad)this is worth looking at for the military implications alone. As alternate history and a novel it also works.
The whys of course will never really be answered for real (at least not here and now) but writers can examine the questions. This is a pretty interesting read and done well. While I don't care for a lot of Civil War fiction (the bloodiest time in our history that only started settling some problems and left a lot of hate in its wake...very sad)this is worth looking at for the military implications alone. As alternate history and a novel it also works.
October 17, 2014
The book was extremely detailed, and the dialogue all seemed like it could very well be what these people were actually saying during the battle. The author does well at showing a pretty decent knowledge of the layout of the battle and the region it took place in, as well as the events occurring nearby. Over all, Gettysburg accurately depicts what could have happened had General Lee succeeded in defeating the Union, and there wasn't anything to be found that was disappointing or that I disliked.
November 1, 2012
If any of you have watched the 1990's film 'Gettysburg' you may remember the part where (on the evening of 1 July 1863) General Longstreet tries to persuade General Lee to break off the direct assault at Gettysburg and instead try to get round the Union flank. Lee of course says something to the effect of 'the enemy is there General and that's where I'm going to attack'. The result of Lee's belief that the Army of Northern Virginia could do anything is well documented enough for me to skip over it here. Could it all have gone differently? Alternate history writers have produced a range of responses - some good, others pretty mediocre.
This book (a collaboration between Newt Gingrich and William Fortschen) is probably one of the best. As with all the best alternate history writing it looks at the courses of action actually open to the participants at the time. Gingrich and Fortschen know their stuff - the characters of the main protagonists are well developed, as are those of individual soldiers. What I especially liked about this book was how well the point of departure was handled. In reality of course the Union reserve artillery didn't make it on to the field until the second day - here we have their commander Henry Hunt pushing several batteries forward in time to completely shatter the Confederate attempt to take the cemetery on the afternoon of 1 July. This, in conjunction with Ewell's failure to take Culp's Hill. leaves Lee more susceptible to Longstreet's counter-proposal than he was in reality.
At this point the authors show their skill - Lee was by nature a gambler and they paint his reaction to Longstreet's proposal quite credibly. Lee rejects Longstreet's plan as too cautious and, to put it mildly, widens its scope. The stage is set for a campaign of manoevre, one which allows Lee's troops to do what they do best - outmarch and outsmart the opposition. Any further detail would give the game away - so I'm going to close by giving this book a full five stars and say that it's the first of a trilogy, the remainder of which I'll review in due course.
This book (a collaboration between Newt Gingrich and William Fortschen) is probably one of the best. As with all the best alternate history writing it looks at the courses of action actually open to the participants at the time. Gingrich and Fortschen know their stuff - the characters of the main protagonists are well developed, as are those of individual soldiers. What I especially liked about this book was how well the point of departure was handled. In reality of course the Union reserve artillery didn't make it on to the field until the second day - here we have their commander Henry Hunt pushing several batteries forward in time to completely shatter the Confederate attempt to take the cemetery on the afternoon of 1 July. This, in conjunction with Ewell's failure to take Culp's Hill. leaves Lee more susceptible to Longstreet's counter-proposal than he was in reality.
At this point the authors show their skill - Lee was by nature a gambler and they paint his reaction to Longstreet's proposal quite credibly. Lee rejects Longstreet's plan as too cautious and, to put it mildly, widens its scope. The stage is set for a campaign of manoevre, one which allows Lee's troops to do what they do best - outmarch and outsmart the opposition. Any further detail would give the game away - so I'm going to close by giving this book a full five stars and say that it's the first of a trilogy, the remainder of which I'll review in due course.
September 22, 2009
I would recommend it mostly with the caveat that the book was written with an extreme bias that is all to common from authors writing of military matters without military experience. That problem is simplification . . . everyone in any of the battles is giving everything they have, including life and limb for the most honorable of goals - flag, country, liberty - without reservation, without question, and with the utmost nobility. Both sides in the battles performed "brilliantly" and all failures were the fault of commanders, never of soldiers. All prisoners were treated with complete respect as brothers in battle, having earned the admiration of the victors. All wounded were equally tended regardless whether they be Union or Confederate by surgeons and medics of either side. It was the gentlemanliest of all military contests because Americans are perfect . . .
Also, General Robert E Lee is written of as a Saint . . . hell, give him his wings and send him off to heaven straight away! In his thoughts he is always looking to God for guidance and despite the brutality resultant of his actions he is deeply saddened by the carnage wrought in his name. He also feels terribly sympathetic to the camp-cook who is a slave because the institution of slavery is something that "must be ended no matter who is victorious in this war." Give me a break . . . Lee in his personal life had no reservations about slavery and owned several with no interest in emancipation. That kind of glorification and willful change in character does not add to the story, but instead is a simple attempt to recast an historical figure as something he was not.
The problem in the writing was one of repetition. Several phrases of description and simile were repeated ad naseum throughout the text. A simple mistake that should've been corrected during editing.
While the complete volume didn't live up to my initial assessment it was still better than almost any other alternate history tome and far superior to anything Harry Turtledove ever attempted.
Also, General Robert E Lee is written of as a Saint . . . hell, give him his wings and send him off to heaven straight away! In his thoughts he is always looking to God for guidance and despite the brutality resultant of his actions he is deeply saddened by the carnage wrought in his name. He also feels terribly sympathetic to the camp-cook who is a slave because the institution of slavery is something that "must be ended no matter who is victorious in this war." Give me a break . . . Lee in his personal life had no reservations about slavery and owned several with no interest in emancipation. That kind of glorification and willful change in character does not add to the story, but instead is a simple attempt to recast an historical figure as something he was not.
The problem in the writing was one of repetition. Several phrases of description and simile were repeated ad naseum throughout the text. A simple mistake that should've been corrected during editing.
While the complete volume didn't live up to my initial assessment it was still better than almost any other alternate history tome and far superior to anything Harry Turtledove ever attempted.
August 25, 2009
This historical novel accents well well how the Union's victory over the Confederacy at Gettysburg was razor thin. Of all the novels and histories I have read concerning the conflict, this view takes you into the psyche of the participants; the commanders and the soldiers.
This is a starkly brutal view of a hellish conflict. What you are left with is a firsthand knowledge of the personalities, on an emotional level, of Lee, Meade, James Longstreet and the civil war soldier. This is not easy reading on a technical level, but equisite on an emotional level. It is strategy, troop movements, death and despair on a realistic level. It mixes the noble with the intransigent.
This book is a must for all civil war buffs and historians. It is passionate, precise, believable, and will leave you feeling you know the constituents. If you don’t read this book because of the author; you will have missed out on a moment worth the investment.
This is a starkly brutal view of a hellish conflict. What you are left with is a firsthand knowledge of the personalities, on an emotional level, of Lee, Meade, James Longstreet and the civil war soldier. This is not easy reading on a technical level, but equisite on an emotional level. It is strategy, troop movements, death and despair on a realistic level. It mixes the noble with the intransigent.
This book is a must for all civil war buffs and historians. It is passionate, precise, believable, and will leave you feeling you know the constituents. If you don’t read this book because of the author; you will have missed out on a moment worth the investment.
December 28, 2010
I actually had this book for some time before I ever got around to reading it because I never was really into reading books. Once I picked it up it carried me on an amazing journey through time. The authors do an amazing job of bringing Civil War era combat and army administration to life.
The book offers an educated view of what would have happened if General Lee had taken the advice of Lt. General Longstreet, his "Old Warhorse," on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg by moving around the southern flank of the Union army, getting between them and Washington D.C. and forcing them to attack the Confederate army in a well defended location.
I've always enjoyed military history/science, and this book did an amazing job of enlightening my understanding of Civil War tactics, logistics, weapons, etc.
The book offers an educated view of what would have happened if General Lee had taken the advice of Lt. General Longstreet, his "Old Warhorse," on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg by moving around the southern flank of the Union army, getting between them and Washington D.C. and forcing them to attack the Confederate army in a well defended location.
I've always enjoyed military history/science, and this book did an amazing job of enlightening my understanding of Civil War tactics, logistics, weapons, etc.
March 29, 2020
An interesting alternative story about the Civil War and the battle at Gettysburg. History sometimes comes down to certain events, decisions, or strokes of luck, that can forever alter the course of a conflict. What if Lee didn’t do that or what if Meade did this? Well written and the characters come to life. I can’t wait to finish the series.
January 23, 2016
This is fiction but ever so believable. The book gives all the beauty and horror of civil war charges and battles. The personalities as presented are plausible and you are allowed to be present for the planning and tactics of war.
July 10, 2008
Three books, this is the first. What would have happened if Lee had won at Gettysburg. Fascinating page turner Highly recommended
June 8, 2012
I enjoyed this "revision" of history by Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen. It's a lively read with lots of action and a very realistic depiction of what it was like to be on a Civil War battlefield. The dialog is first rate and the characters are "fleshed out" really well so the reader feels like he really is there with the famous generals and war heroes that populate the book. I'd give it four stars, except for a couple of problems I had with the book. First of all, I didn't realize I was reading a book with that changes what happened at Gettysburg until after the first day's engagement. That's when the authors depart on their journey to "a different outcome." I actually got on-line to do a little research, because things started happening that I was totally unfamiliar with, and I'm a "Civil War fan." Secondly, the "southern bias" that I find evident in a lot of books about the period was running rampant here. It seems to me southern generals get too much credit for being bolder and creative in their generalship. My theory on why the southerners out-fought their counterparts is because they had little or no choice but to be bold and aggressive. The northern generals, enjoying a massive advantage in men and materials were afraid to "lose or screw up." I'm not saying that McClellan or Hooker was anywhere near as good a general as Robert E. Lee or Stonewall Jackson, but the opposite sides were operating under very different circumstances that I think effected their thinking. And poor General Meade really gets savaged in this book, in a way that I don't think is entirely warranted. I will chalk that off to "creative license." Still, this book is a well written and fascinating treatment of one of the defining moments in American history, and I am very curious to read the next two installments to see how things turn out and whether or not the union survives.
February 22, 2016
This is an alternate-history type of book by Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen. Unlike the WWII book Pearl Harbor that Gingrich was also the co-author, this one does not wait till almost two-thirds of the book is done before revealing the major change.
In this case, during the battle of Gettysburg, Lee changes his mind. Instead of, on the second day, going ahead with any kind of direct attack on the Union lines, he decides to undertake a bold, almost desperate move, and to move his army around the Union positions and take over a major Union supply depot. It's a believable change, and one whose consequences are excellently followed by the authors of this book.
The battle scenes are incredibly vivid; this isn't a book for ultra-sensitive readers. All the events seem possible. The true horror of war is brought out in the descriptions of the various battles.
Also brought out is Lee's commitment to the South and his desire to end the war as soon as possible, with a “climatic battle” if possible (much as the Japanese thought they could end WWII with one single decisive battle against the U.S.)
The book also shows just how incompetent many of the generals and other so-called leaders were, and how one decision made different can change the entire face of a war.
I definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series.
In this case, during the battle of Gettysburg, Lee changes his mind. Instead of, on the second day, going ahead with any kind of direct attack on the Union lines, he decides to undertake a bold, almost desperate move, and to move his army around the Union positions and take over a major Union supply depot. It's a believable change, and one whose consequences are excellently followed by the authors of this book.
The battle scenes are incredibly vivid; this isn't a book for ultra-sensitive readers. All the events seem possible. The true horror of war is brought out in the descriptions of the various battles.
Also brought out is Lee's commitment to the South and his desire to end the war as soon as possible, with a “climatic battle” if possible (much as the Japanese thought they could end WWII with one single decisive battle against the U.S.)
The book also shows just how incompetent many of the generals and other so-called leaders were, and how one decision made different can change the entire face of a war.
I definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 2, 2016
I don't know.... Two thirds of the way through this book I thought I was reading historical fiction, and then I thought.... that doesn't seem right, and I looked more closely and discovered that it's "alternate history." Okay. I like that genre okay but usually it has an element of the wild in it, like time travel or something. Not just, "What if the Union army actually sucked and made all the wrong decisions, and Lee was a nigh infallible god?"
The further this departed from reality the less I liked it. The book is full of detailed, realistic battle descriptions, which I liked in the early chapters because I felt as if I was there, and I guess that's what I was looking for from this book. When I realized it was pure fiction, the "this didn't really happen" effect made the battle scenes tedious somehow. If we were going to play "What if?" I wanted it to cut to the chase and tell me the political and social consequences.
But it didn't. They left me hanging on that at the end. I'm really torn as to whether I need to find out what happens in this alternate dimension enough to buy the next book. I'm leaning toward no.
The further this departed from reality the less I liked it. The book is full of detailed, realistic battle descriptions, which I liked in the early chapters because I felt as if I was there, and I guess that's what I was looking for from this book. When I realized it was pure fiction, the "this didn't really happen" effect made the battle scenes tedious somehow. If we were going to play "What if?" I wanted it to cut to the chase and tell me the political and social consequences.
But it didn't. They left me hanging on that at the end. I'm really torn as to whether I need to find out what happens in this alternate dimension enough to buy the next book. I'm leaning toward no.
November 16, 2014
This was good! I had bought this trilogy series a while back while on vacation in the States and just now have gotten interested again in the Civil War to read them. Brushing the dust off, cracked the cover and dove in not sure what to expect. Just fabulous! I was a bit apprehensive about this alternative rendering about one of the most brutal skirmishes and probably the most decisive point in American history. It has taken myself a few different novels to get a good perspective about this war and thought did I want to ruin my views on some far off unrealistic alternative result. Well, no fear. This was very well written and done so seamlessly that if not familiar with time and calendar events, you would think this is what happened! I am now off to the next novel in the series with avid interest to see what this duo writing team has in store for the two most prominent Generals in this time in American history.
October 21, 2007
I really enjoy reading this book because it mostly discuss the conflict between certain events happening. As civil war rages upon both sides- Union and Confederate, I was able to imagine how certain things and events took place.
Even the depiction and imagery of death and getting shot was very descriptive that it was unbelievable disgusting. This book is basically about the civil war fought in Gettysburg and how the Union lost, but Grant was summon by President Lincoln to stop Lee's forces from advancing into Washington.
I really quite enjoy how the imagery and the language fits perfectly giving you the sense of what war is really like and the people's opinions and conflicts about war.
Even the depiction and imagery of death and getting shot was very descriptive that it was unbelievable disgusting. This book is basically about the civil war fought in Gettysburg and how the Union lost, but Grant was summon by President Lincoln to stop Lee's forces from advancing into Washington.
I really quite enjoy how the imagery and the language fits perfectly giving you the sense of what war is really like and the people's opinions and conflicts about war.
July 19, 2010
This book is historical fiction. It imagines what might have occurred should Robert E Lee have used tactics more consistent with his history at Gettysberg. How can you learn from a book that recounts events that never occurred? I am not sure but it brought the historical figures alive for me and started a real love of history that will surely bore others to death. I attended a panel with both authors. Newt contended that the educational system's tendency to reduce history to times and dates of events have ruined it for many who would otherwise have learned much from those who went before.(paraphrase and I hope I have it right) He encouraged all to bring history alive for our children, so much to learn from it. I found that profound. I have a copy signed by both authors.
March 25, 2012
This is an awesome read! Maybe its because of living in Carroll Country, Maryland for 14 years that made this book appealing, but his historical accuracy for locations is amazing. Gingrich takes a what if approach to Lee following Longstreet's advice and retreating from Gettysburg after the second day's battle of Gettysburg. Althought he doesn'f follow entirely what Longstreet suggests, it does move the armies into Maryland, specifically Tanyetown, Westminster, and Union Mills in the bulk of the book. Yet another theory for how the outcome of the war could have been...
January 5, 2008
Part of a trilogy written by Newt Gingrich and William Forsten, this is one of the best "what ifs" novels written about this complex time. Lee, Grant, Lincoln and Judah Benjamin, among amny others, all come to life as the reader appreciates their angst about this, the bloodiest of America's wars. The other 2 novels are, "Grant Comes East," and "Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant, the final victory."
August 22, 2012
I love civil war historical novels and was really disappointed when I found out this was an "alternative history" concoction.
Then I read it!
O M G!
Say what you want about Newt Gingrich and his politics, but he's officially my favorite amphibian!
After I read this I spent the next 12 months waiting at Borders with my nose pressed up against the glass, waiting to buy the sequel.
G R E A T!
Then I read it!
O M G!
Say what you want about Newt Gingrich and his politics, but he's officially my favorite amphibian!
After I read this I spent the next 12 months waiting at Borders with my nose pressed up against the glass, waiting to buy the sequel.
G R E A T!
August 2, 2012
1st of 3 books to imagine if the Confederate Army under Robert E Lee would defeat the Union Army and win the Civil War...so well told that unless you are up on actual facts, you'll be hard pressed to remember fact from fiction. In a way, I wish Gingrich & Forstchen would use their well researched facts to do a novel on the actual battles that made up the Civil War, as they did with the Revolutionary War in "Valley Forge".
February 8, 2015
A very good "what if" book. Having walked the grounds at Gettysburg, it made this read much more interesting. The authors really did their homework regarding the terrain, etc. and brought the characters to life - particularly Robert E. Lee. I would suggest studying the real events of Gettysburg before reading this book, however, in order to be able to draw the plausible alternative contrast to history as it happened.
January 22, 2016
Despite having a history degree and teaching this subject for eight years during the first part of my career, I don't read much alternate history. This book may change that. It's beautifully written, and provides a visceral and heart-wrenching depiction of warfare. The alternate history that is explored is realistic and the characters are well-developed. I can't wait to read the other two in the series.
June 17, 2008
An amazing book, first of the trilogy. It is alternate history...and poses the question what would have happened if the South had won at Gettysburg. The first day of the battle follows what actually happened. After that, everything changes.
I could not put this book down. It is well researched and well thought out. And it is all action. Read all three.
I could not put this book down. It is well researched and well thought out. And it is all action. Read all three.
September 4, 2008
An alternate history of the Battle of Gettysburg. Details what might have happened if Lee had listened to Longstreet and gone around the right, gotten behind the Union lines and cut the Army of the Potomac off from Washington. To quote Gen. Robert E. Lee; "It is good that war is so terrible, lest we would love it too much."
March 15, 2009
Excellent alternative-history of that part of the Civil War from Gettysburg to end of war. This is book 1 of a trilogy, and gives an emotionally-charged account of both historical and fictional characters. Except for the fictional characters, every historical person & event is faithful to true history until the Battle of Gettysburg.
March 21, 2009
First book in the trilogy. Terrific fictional account of the "what ifs" had Robert E. Lee chosen to follow General Longstreet's advise to break off the Gettysburg engagement during/after the first day's fight and reposition to move on Washington, DC. Characters are real. Authors' knowledge of character's personalities and decision-making processes make the story altogether plausible.
July 1, 2015
This was amazing, the writing is so well done that the reader is absolutely drawn into each and every character. However, I am reluctant to purchase the sequel as I feel it may be much of the same. Please keep in mind that this was a 500+ page book so another book right away may be a bit too much of a good thing. Kinda like a great big bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream with hot fudge sauce.
April 1, 2010
A historical novel that offers an alternative outcome, i.e., the C.S.A. wins The Battle of Gettysburg. This is the first of a trilogy and I have no idea where the authors are going with the story line but this is a real good stand alone tale. Realistic and believable.
Read
September 7, 2012Read about 1/4 of the book but got bogged down in the details of the hills and the companies of men. Might take a go of it when I have more understanding of the geography. Written pretty well but is chock full of the details.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews