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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
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 Posted - August 19 2002 : 11:02:50 AM
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I have seen the movie Gettysburg, but have never read any books regarding this battle of the Civil War, but I plan on spending a day in late September there and wondered if anyone might recommend ONE book (since that is all I'd have time to read between now and then ...if that) or website or anything else that might help me to maximize a one day experience there. We also hope to have time to stop by Antietam on the way home and any recommends there would be appreciated also!
Thanks in advance for considering this!!!  
Diana
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richfed
Sachem
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Posted - August 19 2002 : 1:23:28 PM
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Perhaps, Killer Angels, the book upon which the movie Gettysburg is based, would be a good choice. Can't say with any degree of certainty 'cause I've never read it myself! Heard it's excellent, from a variety of reliable sources ... it is historical fiction ... actually, like the movie, I believe it even more accurate than that ... it's more like history with added dialog ...
Anyway, Diana, of the books that I have read, Edwin B. Coddington's The Gettysburg Campaign ... a Study in Command is likely the best ... a great read, though a bit detailed, perhaps, if you've not a really keen interest.
You will love the battlefield, especially if you read up beforehand ... try the Union line at the site of Pickett's Charge just before sunset ... it's less crowded ... and beautiful!
Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't suggest my own son's writing ... see: Gettysburg There's some suggested reading in there, too. By the way, the Gettysburg game, recommended on that site, is SUPERB ... it might be the very best way to truly understand the logistics of that day ... Certainly the most fun!!! |
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
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Posted - August 19 2002 : 7:08:33 PM
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Diana--for Antietam (Sharpsburg) "Landscape Turned Red" is about the best you can get on that battle.
What dates will you be in PA and MD?
Seamus
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Gadget Girl
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Posted - August 19 2002 : 9:21:22 PM
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Oooooooo Mikey, where'd ya get that avatar?  SPOOKY!
I have a meeting in Philadelphia on Friday, Sept. 27th and plan on driving to Gettysburg that evening to have ALL DAY Saturday to visit, then leave early Sunday morning and spend perhaps a half day at Sharpsburg before heading back south. I wish I was going to have more time, but weekdays off are rare with school in. It'll be cram-packed at best! Don't get up that way much though, so have to take advantage when I can and this is something I have ALWAYS wanted to do!
Thanks guys for the book advice. I may try to get one on booktape (I just saw Killer Angels on tape unabridged at B&N) for the ride up there and read the other!
Take it easy Seamus, hey to the boys!!!
GG 
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
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Posted - August 20 2002 : 08:57:47 AM
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Hey GG!!
I would love to be available to guide you, but we have an event at Kempton, NW of Philadelphia Friday night and Saturday, 9/27-28, and will be returning home Sunday the 29th. Many Flags will be there, too. It is to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Albany Twp., Berks County, PA, and will be a reenactment of a composite of actual events that happened during the settlement period of that area, known as the Allemaengel.
We will have an encampment of French Milice, Pennsylvania Provincial troops, and some woodsmen scouts at the Fairgrounds in the Village of Kempton, and an Indian encampment in a reconstructed Indian village half a mile away. It is really well done, with bark huts, a striking pole, 3 sisters gardens, tobacco, fish seines across the creek, and just a perfect setting.
Our demonstration will be this: They (the organizers)are building a stockaded log home and setting a cornfield with shocks of corn, as though it is being harvested. There will be citizens (men, women and kids) working the field, with an armed escort at either end watching for marauding Indian war parties--just as was done there 250 years ago. Many Flags' actual ancestors settled there, lived this scenario, and their home is still there!
The Indians will attack the work party, killing some of the guard, the other guards will fire upon them, meanwhile herding the workers back across the creek and into their stockaded home. A fire fight will ensue, and after about 5 minutes of it, the Pennsylvania Provincial troops, commanded by "yours truly" (Ahem!!) will appear from the wooded area along the creek, deploy and force the Indians and Milice to withdraw. They will have grabbed a couple of kids, and will take them as they withdraw. End of Scenario 1, "Raid on the Allemaengel". The public will watch from a hillside, much like an amphitheater.....and an hour later, at the Indian Village, Scenario 2, "Parley"...we will arrive, in force, to negotiate the successful return of the captives.
After dark we will return to the Village with presents and do a Woodland Diplomacy thing with the Indians, with, of course, interference from the Milice. BUT...in the end, it will all work out.
I wish you could come see it all, but I know you will be busy. I would be happy to be your guide and escort at G'bg and Antietam, if I weren't obligated to the Allemaengel. I suggest you hire a licensed guide at Gettysburg, and be sure to watch the presentation in the Visitors' Center at Antietam before you tour the field.
You will notice a big difference between the fields, in that G'bg is highly tourist developed, and Sharpsburg is much the way it was back then. The village has changed little, except for growth, but the center of town is still unspoiled. In addition, much of the actual battlefield is still in private hands.
Pax aye!
Seamus
NB. My avatar is a personal symbol I use frequently as a "trademark" and have for years. I found it on the list of avatars. I have carved it
on a couple knife handles, a powder measure in which the skull is holding the leather thong which attaches it to my hunting bag strap with his teeth, and on the head of my walking stick.
Glad ya like it!
Edited by - Seamus on August 20 2002 09:04:17 AM |
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Gadget Girl
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Posted - August 20 2002 : 11:20:39 AM
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Mmmmmm, Seamus, you sure know how to tempt a girl!!!  I'll have a couple of teenagers with me, so I may have to see what they think about a reenactment. That all sounds so interesting, especially the fact that "citizens" are involved. How often do you have non-military personas participate in reenactments? This looks on the map to be only about an hour and a half from Philly, is the place hard to find?
At the book store last night I saw a new book, Meet John Trow, about a Civil War reenactor, that "finds himself" (or loses himself) through the Union soldier character he takes on (along with falling in love with his commanding officer's wife). Looked kind of interesting. Seems Living History and Reenacting are becoming more popular and that just tickles me! I hear more and more about it all the time. 
Also noticed there is a new book out on Antietam, Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam 1862, by James McPherson. Might be a future read to consider.
Thanks for all the info Seamus, I'll be sure to let you know if the kids might prefer a "living" history lesson!!!
GG
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
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Posted - August 20 2002 : 11:42:10 AM
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Diana,
We have civilian personas involved in military actions IF the layout and scenario warrants it. There are strict rules, however, so we use seasoned reenactors or interpreters to portray the civilians. On rare ocassion we will take the public on an interactive scenario. Did that two weeks ago at Old Mill Village, in Mew Miford, PA. They are being escorted to an undisclosed location by Provincial troops and the column is ambushed ala LOTM and the public is herded together with soldiers to protect them. As things progress, 1) the escort is all killed and the French and Indians "capture" the column, or 2)the attackers are successfully fought off and the citizens are returned to the starting point because "it isn't safe enough to continue our journey." It works well, and is strictly controlled.
Kempton is less than an hour and a half from Philly. It is not hard to find, but it is definitely "country"!! If you decide to forego your original plans, email me privately and I will direct you there. However, as WONDERFUL as it would be to see you and give you a big hug (heheheh!),I don't want you to give up a chance to see G'bg and Antietam, since you don't get here often.
Jim McPherson's book would definitely be one to read....he is outstanding!
Pax aye!
Seamus
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
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Posted - October 30 2002 : 03:37:23 AM
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I agree, Mr. Coddington's book is the definative work on this very important engagement. For those wishing for a more 'personal' angle (Letters, diaries, etc.), might I suggest the time tested works of Shelby Foote.
Your Humble Servant,
Sgt. Duncan Munro
Capt. Graham's Coy
1/42nd Royal Highlanders
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" |
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richfed
Sachem
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Posted - January 24 2004 : 08:27:16 AM
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Here's another excellent work for you GG - and anyone else - if you're still interested!!
A new one that I'm in the middle of reading at the moment. Simply entitled, Gettysburg. The author is a master storyteller. That'd be Stephen W. Sears [also author of Landscape Turned Red that Seamus mentions above] ... published by Houghton Mifflin Company [2003].
Actually, I'm near the end ... the July 3 cannonade has just ended and the Trimble/Pettigrew/Pickett advance is just about to launch. I have read many books on this battle, some specific to just one day, or even just one phase of one day. Yet, this work shed new light on many of the events, personalities, and especially miscommunications of the campaign that caused it to play out as it did. I learned a lot of new information and saw things in a different light. Highly readable book by probably the best Civil War author/historian writing today. Facts & figures are there, but it is also personalized ... you can really feel the emotion ...
Actually, a very sad book. Though Sears doesn't say this per se ... in fact, Stonewall Jackson is hardly mentioned, it became apparent to me, as I read through the book, that his death near the end of the Chancellorsville battle's first day was the cause - or the most prevalent one, anyway - of the Confederate defeat. The death of so many for what was really - after these 3 days - a hopeless cause.
His death caused a reorganization of the army that led directly to extremely poor communication & cooperation between the Rebel forces. Things I always knew became so very clear now. It is almost as if the Confederate Army was defeated before the battle started - despite the first day's success. The specter of Jackson's death loomed heavily & it would seem took the spirit to fight on out of many. It is no coincidence, I believe, that the Confederate cause took a turn south [pun intended!] from this point on. Too many times on these three days in our history, lack of action on the part of divisional & even CORPS commanders resulted in reversal of initial Confederate successes. Of course, too, many have argued that if Jackson were alive, the first day's "victory" would have been much more decisive. No reason to dispute that, really. The man's legacy speaks for itself.
Anyway, a great book that can grab - and hold - the attention of both a novice or experienced Gettysburg reader. Got me a-thinkin' on every page! |
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Bookworm
Colonial Militia
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Posted - February 10 2004 : 10:00:38 PM
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| I'm reading this too, Sachem, and concur wholeheartedly in your recommendation. This is a very thorough and detailed, but very readable, guide to the battle of Gettysburg. Take it from one who is, shall we say, "geographically challenged"--if you read carefully and follow along on the maps, you'll get a good understanding of the progress of the battle. (Must brag here-- my husband and I were married in the chapel of the Lutheran Seminary, on Seminary Ridge.) But, with the acknowledgment that I'm no expert on the Civil War, I just can't accept the often-repeated assertion that the outcome of the battle would inevitably have been different if only Stonewall Jackson had survived Chancellorsville. Please consider these thoughts: 1) Jackson had his failures, too. During the Seven Days campaign, for instance, he failed to arrive, as instructed by Lee, to support A.P. HIll's assault, which therefore failed. In Battle Cry of Freedom (another excellent book), James McPherson suggests that the most likely reason for Jackson's "lethargy" that day was simple battle fatigue (which Jackson would have refused to acknowledge in himself, as in others.) 2) The Jackson-would-have-triumphed-at-Gettysburg theory rests on the assumption that there was no one in the ARmy of the Potomac who could have successfully opposed him. But at Gettysburg, it appears, there was. Sears writes: "'Hancock the Superb,' General McClellan had called him on the Peninsula. On the 2nd of July [the second day of the battle] he might have been called 'Hancock the Magnificent.' He was everywhere and saw everything and missed nothing. On this smoky, thunderously loud, immensely confusing battlefield, reinforcements often had no notion of where they were supposed to go. But Hancock knew." 3) Over and over, Sears notes an instance in which an obscure figure in the ARmy of the Potomac is called upon to rise to a totally unexpected challenge, and does -- for example, Warren, Vincent, and Chamberlain at Little Round Top, or George Sears Greene on Culp's HIll, or even Ol'Snapping Turtle himself. Perhaps there existed some other obscure figure who, if fate had taken a different turn, would now be known to us as the officer who led the federals' successful resistance to Jackson's assault. As I said, I'm no sort of expert on this subject, and I hope to learn more from the replies of you and others on this endlessly debated topic. |
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richfed
Sachem
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Posted - February 11 2004 : 8:16:55 PM
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First of all, welcome Bookworm!!! I've been a-waiting your arrival!
Bookworm, for the rest of you [though I know not too many read way down here], will be at the 2004 Mohican Gathering. She can introduce herself elsewhere, when she's ready.
Now, back to Gettysburg ... I don't disagree with what you say, regarding Union general performance at Gettysburg ... but ...
Jackson's death did cause Lee to revamp his army, and clearly that "newness" had an effect - a major effect - on communication, or lack of, on the field of Gettysburg. Richard Ewell, and particularly A.P. Hill - corps commanders both - failed to act, failed to even grasp, it would seem, the tenor of Lee's admittedly discretionary sounding orders. Richard Anderson, a division commander, was MIA. Harry Heth, also general of division, was downright careless - to open the affair and at the close, as the rear guard, costing General Pettigrew his life. Much of this would have been a non-issue had Jackson been there. He was a doer and could live - thrived, in fact - on a free reign. James Longstreet, too - the other corps commander - though I can't really argue with his logic, was against the whole affair & seemed less than enthused, Again, Jackson would have acted ... swiftly & decisively.
When division commander Robert Rodes came upon the exposed right flank of the Union army on day one, he must have seen Chancellorsville about to happen all over again. But, he hurried, piecemeal, two brigades in and they were cut to pieces. Jackson would have formed & attacked in overwhelming force. Later on this same day, the question arises, could the high ground of Culps & Cemetery Hills have been taken? Ewell hesitated and lost his chance. Yes, perhaps Jubal Early's division was too spent to carry them anyway ... maybe. But Jackson, believed in pressing a routed foe. The Union were routed. They were not pressed.
Oh, the possibilities.
I finished, Gettysburg,, went on to read Stephen Sears', Chancellorsville, am now re-reading - after many years - Landscape Turned Red, and have his To the Gates of Richmond lined up next. Sears is a master story teller of history. The word "grace" is often used by critics to describe his writings. Yes. Understated grace. He is poignant, but never melodramatic. He has a genius for using detail without becoming cumbersome. He knows just the word to evoke the mood he seeks. Chooses just the right first person quote to put you right there. Civil War books have never evoked much emotion within me. Sears does on every page. He clarifies & personalizes. Truly, he brings history alive. I can't get enough. |
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marty
Lost in the Wilderness
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Posted - December 19 2004 : 6:53:14 PM
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| gettysburg,,a testing of courage,,by noah andre trudeau..a very good book,,also anything writting by bruce catton |
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Obediah
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - February 06 2007 : 12:56:39 AM
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| Coddington's The Gettysburg Campaign... is also a sure cure for insomnia... |
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RedFraggle
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Posted - February 06 2007 : 01:08:30 AM
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Yeah, well, a few good glasses of wine are also a good insomnia cure. I'm leaving it to anybody's guess which I'll be employing!  |
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Bookworm
Colonial Militia
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Posted - February 24 2007 : 1:11:53 PM
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Glad to see some activity down here, of whatever sort! Regarding Coddington, I understand that the U.S. Army War College Guide to the Battle of Gettysburg is similarly exhaustive. Haven't read either one, though.
Rich, in re-reading your posts I recalled the question I always intended to ask you, but didn't for some reason. You detail the situations in which the mighty Stonewall might have made a difference in the outcome of the battle, then say -- a wistful sigh is almost audible -- "Oh, the possibilities." Are you suggesting that a different outcome would have been (gulp! shudder! shaken to depths of Northern soul!) a good thing????? |
Bookworm
"I've gotten so fascinated with the eighteenth century, I'm going to stay there." -- David McCullough
"Nothing to it, brother." -- Barack Obama |
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richfed
Sachem
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Posted - February 25 2007 : 09:06:38 AM
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I was mainly talking of military possibilities, Mary [belated Happy Birthday wishes, too!!! ], but, looking at the War from afar - and detached - those Confederates sure were a colorful lot! I guess I admire their successes against overwhelming manpower & supply disadvantages. I suppose these North Carolina mountains are rubbing off on me. As for a different outcome - well, we're stronger together than apart, I would think, so I'm happy we are still one, but I'm with the South on the State-rights thing ... mostly. Smaller Federal Government would be good.
But, to sum it all up, I imagine, had I been 20 in 1861, I'd have signed up with a New York regiment ... then, Stonewall be damned ... at First Bull Run they'd be speaking of Richard the Rock ... " ... there stands Richard, like a rock ... rally behind him boys!" Don't you just love revisionist history?!? |
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Bookworm
Colonial Militia
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Posted - February 25 2007 : 1:21:14 PM
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Richard the Rock, Rock Federici -- I like it! I understand what you're saying about the attractiveness of courage against overwhelming odds -- part of the reason we root for underdogs, I guess. (The Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie, for another example.)
The Confederates do seem to have had more colorful characters, don't they? Jackson, Pickett, Stuart, Forrest (and Joe Wheeler, if he was anything like the character portrayed in his later years in "The Rough Riders"). But the North did have "Uncle Billy" Sherman, a colorful character if ever there was one. And that reminds me --"Grant and Sherman: The Friendship That Won the Civil War" by Charles Bracelen Flood (although not dealing with Gettysburg, of course) is an excellent, enjoyable book that covers the relationship between the two men from Fort Donelson to the end. |
Bookworm
"I've gotten so fascinated with the eighteenth century, I'm going to stay there." -- David McCullough
"Nothing to it, brother." -- Barack Obama |
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Obediah
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - February 26 2007 : 1:29:42 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by richfed
..... SNIPPED .....
" ... there stands Richard, like a rock
... SNIPPED ...
"There stands Richard like a rock; why isn't he marching?" |
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richfed
Sachem
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Obediah
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Posted - April 11 2007 : 1:28:53 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bookworm
Richard the Rock, Rock Federici -- I like it! I understand what you're saying about the attractiveness of courage against overwhelming odds -- part of the reason we root for underdogs, I guess. (The Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie, for another example.)
The Confederates do seem to have had more colorful characters, don't they? Jackson, Pickett, Stuart, Forrest (and Joe Wheeler, if he was anything like the character portrayed in his later years in "The Rough Riders"). But the North did have "Uncle Billy" Sherman, a colorful character if ever there was one. And that reminds me --"Grant and Sherman: The Friendship That Won the Civil War" by Charles Bracelen Flood (although not dealing with Gettysburg, of course) is an excellent, enjoyable book that covers the relationship between the two men from Fort Donelson to the end.
Hey the Yankees had plenty of "colorful characters" too: Winfield S. Hancock (the best cusser in the Army of the Potomac & known for always wearing clean, crisp white shirts [where'd he them?]), Dan Butterfield (another politician turned General, wrote Taps, got his leg shatted by a cannonball on the 2nd day at Gettysburg), Benjamin "Beast" Butler (they just loved him in New Orleans). While we're at it, let's add to the Rebel list of "colorful characters (but lousy generals): Earl Van Dorn (shot by a jealous husband in '63), Gideon Pillow (known for hiding behind trees during combat), Braxton Bragg (my least favorite general on either side, whom everyone but Jeff Davis hated), and last but certainly not least, John Bell Hood, who eventually would have been court-martialed for his ridiculous Franklin campaign if the Confederacy hadn't gone out of business. As the last two lines of "The Yellow Rose of Texas" says:
You may talk about your Beauregard, and sing of Bobby Lee,
But the gallant Hood of Texas, he played hell in Tennessee. |
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Obediah
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - July 14 2007 : 1:48:05 PM
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I just finished a "biographical novel" of US Grant called Ulysses by James(?) Simkin. It's an extremely accurate (historically) story of Grant's life as seen through his eyes. The main emphasis (natch) is on the Civil War, but it does cover all all the phases of his adult life: cadet days at West Point, the Mexican War, his dismal showing as an army officer in Oregon and California (it doesn't stint on his alcoholism at all), his even more dismal showing as a farmer and then working in the family tanning business, his best years (the Civil War), then another dismal showing as US President, finally his victory in finishing his memoirs just days before his death of throat/mouth cancer.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! |
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IWLFNDU
Colonial Settler
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Gettysburg Book recommendation?
