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

I love

The authors ascribe "Active History" to their form of story telling. I think this book does an excellent job in re-telling the Gettyburg story and "what if?" They stick to the facts for most of the early part of the novel and enlighten us all on the problems of command without the advantages of good maps and tele/radio communications. Further, we learn about the massive logistical requirements of an Army in 1863. I believe this novel's outcome to be very plausible.

My only complaint is modest. I can believe Gen. Lee might be swayed to change his mind, but the authors also ask us to believe Gen. Longstreet, now that Jackson is dead, will force march like he has never done before. Maybe he would. However, the final battle takes place because Gen. Meade is neither able to control the Army of the Potomac nor receive Lincoln’s message to avoid the destruction of that army. We are pushing too many “what ifs” for my comfort. These seem to me to contradict the author's "Active History" philosophy.

These merely multiply in the second and third books of the trilogy.

But it’s a great read regardless.

You really need a Map & List of the characters

This account is so detailed that it left me somewhat confused. I am not a Civil War buff so trying to keep track of the characters and just where they were geographically was very difficult for me. I assume that the personalities involved were based on fact and their personalities added greatly to the background of the decisions and action.

I did feel let down at the end as the book did not actually have the end of the battle and the famous Picket charge and subsequent Lincoln speech.

Tom Stechschulte did a great job in the narration particularly the fast pace of the battle scenes.

I gather there is a sequel which I must find.

Very interesting book.

Any additional comments?

If you like alternate history read the 3 books in this series. I have read many books on the civil war and it looks like the author did too. I feel that everyone behaved as they would have if this alternate history would have played out as the author describes. They do sell George Gordon Meade short, I don’t think he would have behaved as badly as the author shows. All 5 books are 5 star!