What will you learn about history?
Michael Shaara is a writer who turned his passion for the civil war into a re-creation of the Battle of Gettysburg. The battle is described from the perspective of the men who led the two armies. He doesn't just narrate the battles, he also presents the most notable leaders as human beings and gives readers some insight into their mentality. They are men that are more similar than different. They are former classmates who once fought side by side. The men who fought the Civil War were friends who were divided over political causes and military pride. They are men who appreciate the euphoria and adrenaline of the battle field. The author was meticulous in his research of the events and tries to remain true, even to the most minute details. Shaara also does a great job of showing how this was the last war for the great generals such as Robert E. Lee. A modern era was beginning and new weapons required new tactics.
Why should you read it?
Although it received very little commercial success when it was first published in 1974, this book was awarded a Pulitzer prize in 1975. The author did not live to see his book made into a movie in 1993, an act which put it on the New York Times' Bestseller list. Ken Burns, whose name has become synonymous with the Civil War, is quoted as saying, "this book changed my life". A pretty big build up for a book that remained unknown for most of the author's life. You do not have to be a history buff or a Civil War enthusiast to appreciate this book.
