Gettysburg

A Novel of the Civil War

By: Newt Gingrich, William R. Forstchen

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Length: 17 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and veteran author William R. Forstchen combine their talents in this powerful and rousing alternate history of the most legendary Civil War clash.

After two days of brutal combat, Confederate General Robert E. Lee is faced with an agonizing decision. He can either launch a frontal assault directly at the center of Union lines, or he can flank the Federals and attack from the rear. Choosing the second option, Lee sends his troops around the Union army, cutting them off from Washington, D.C. and their supplies. Staring at the face of disaster, the Federals are forced into a desperate fight to survive.

Gettysbury is a fascinating "what if?" novel that faithfully brings to life the major players in America's greatest battle and places them in an entirely plausible scenario. Through Tom Stechschulte's stirring narration, listeners will marvel at what could have been.

©2003 Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Well-executed alternative history....The novel has a narrative drive and vigor that makes the climactic battle scene a real masterpiece of its kind." (Publishers Weekly)

Great civil war

narrator was excellent. Book was fast pace exciting. one of the best overall books I've listened to

Excellent War Novel Aided By Powerful Narration

An excellent alternative history of the turning point in the Civil War. The battle scenes are vivid and the troop movements and tactical decisions upon which they were based are clearly described. The description of General Henry Hunt's artillery defense of Cemetery Hill during July 1, 1863 is based on fact. Hunt's actions are little noted in most histories that I have read. One source describes Hunt as the ``unknown hero of Gettysburg.'' The narrator does an excellent job in giving each character a distinctive voice and he added to my enjoyment of ``Gettysburg: A Novel.'' I look forward to listening to and reading the next two novels in the series.

feeling both sides

Listening to this is feeling the grief, horror, sympathy, fear, pain, anger, love and doubt of both sides. It is not a story of just war but a story of our country torn by deep beliefs and pain while at the same time mutually admiring the "enemy person". The " real enemy" in this story is not people but "failure to listen and really hear each side of the argument" before killing one another. The " real enemy" is letting pride get in the way for finding a way to compromise without compromising each other.

This "enemy" is stil alive and well. Every person- especially every politician should read this book and really listen. We must remember that we do not all have to agree. We can live in differance.

Confusing with what I know but compelling

I've read books, accounts watched movies and tv documentaries all ending with an overwhelming Union victory. The only Al

sla on Meade's peformance

Great listen

Was a great story and the performance was incredibly well done without being over the top.

meh.....

I like the concept of the story but the story was way too dry. I wanted to like the book since I like to read and listen to historical fiction but this did not keep my attention

Listen today

Excellent alt history highly recommended just buy it already why does amazon require a certain number of words

amazing story

loved it!!!!! the story is a compelling book of history that everyone should read it

Book Great, performance decent

The storytelling is great, there were a few blatant mispronunciations though. Overall still a good listen.

Excellent!

Yes, it's active history, which is fiction. However, this book was phenomenal! And, let's not overlook the forward in which Newt explains the theory of active history, which is to prompt us to think about historical events in a way that is much more interesting than just names and dates. And, Tom Stechshulte is great, too!