by Michael Shaara

isbn: 0345348109
subject: Military, Nonfiction, History
finished: 1/22/2003

The Killer Angels is a very human book: Shaara shows us the horrific Battle of Gettysburg through the eyes and minds of commanders like Lee, Longstreet, Pickett, Buford, and Chamberlain. The bulk of the book dwells not on the fighting, but rather on conversations, philosophizing, and agonized decision-making. We learn enough about the men -- their history, beliefs, and reasons for being in the war -- to start to care about what happens to them. In particular, Longstreet and Chamberlain are well developed characters. This is a compelling book; I recommend it.