The Killer Angels

The Classic Novel of the Civil War

By: Michael Shaara

Narrated by: Stephen Hoye

Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • After more than a quarter of a century and three million copies in print, Michael Shaara’s Civil War classic, The Killer Angels, remains as vivid and powerful as the day it was originally published.

July 1863. The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia is invading the North. General Robert E. Lee has made this daring and massive move with seventy thousand men in a determined effort to draw out the Union Army of the Potomac and mortally wound it. His right hand is General James Longstreet, a brooding man who is loyal to Lee but stubbornly argues against his plan. Opposing them is an unknown factor: General George Meade, who has taken command of the Army only two days before what will be perhaps the crucial battle of the Civil War.

In the four most bloody and courageous days of our nation’s history, two armies fight for two conflicting dreams. One dreams of freedom, the other of a way of life. More than rifles and bullets are carried into battle. The soldiers carry memories. Promises. Love. And more than men fall on those Pennsylvania fields. Bright futures, untested innocence, and pristine beauty are also the casualties of war.

The Killer Angels is unique, sweeping, unforgettable–a dramatic re-creation of the battleground for America’s destiny.

©1974 Michael Shaara, copyright renewed 2002 Jeffrey M. Shaara & Lila E. Shaara (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Pulitzer Prize winner, Fiction 1975

“My favorite historical novel . . . A superb re-creation of the Battle of Gettysburg, but its real importance is its insight into what the war was about, and what it meant.”—James M. McPherson

“Remarkable . . . A book that changed my life . . . I had never visited Gettysburg, knew almost nothing about that battle before I read the book, but here it all came alive.”—Ken Burns, filmmaker

“Shaara carries [the reader] swiftly and dramatically to a climax as exciting as if it were being heard for the first time.”—The Seattle Times

A Great Book Beautifully Read

Hoye's rendition of The Killer Angels brings all the humanity and drama of the Civil War to the surface. If you love history or historical novels, this is a book for you, specially well rendered by Stephen Hoye's ability to read with Irish, yankee and different southern accents throughout the book. Two thumbs up!

Great Stormy

A must read for anyone interested in our country.
Should be a required read in high school.

Full package

Tremendous historic event, beautifully rendered by the author and a great performance by the narrator.

wonderful historical story

The author draws the reader into the story and the setting. I swear I could see the men, their exhaustion, and their worries. That's the kind of book I like: one that makes me feel I've lived the story.

Good book. Good reader

Some people say they don’t like the dramaticness of the reader. I rather enjoyed it. Not too dramatic but not too little. Listen to the sample before you buy it.

Masterful writing! Like you are there.

Read it years ago. This audio takes it to another level. Outstanding book. Incredible how the popularity was delayed for something so well done. Enjoy!

July 2-4, 1863 Comes Alive

Would you listen to The Killer Angels again? Why?

Yes at Gettsyburg with my grandson some day.

What did you like best about this story?

The faithful link to historical fact.

Which scene was your favorite?

Col. Chamberlin's charge from Little Round Top.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, because I took time to study battle maps as the story unfolded.

Not a Novel, but a play!

This amazing book was more fabulously acted out, than just excellently read. Why I am a fan of AUDIBLE!

Great book to use in Leadership class

What did you love best about The Killer Angels?

hearing it from all different sides. I would recommend people to read this book after reading Good to Great and figure out who is the level 5 leader. Would recommend any business class to use this to teach with.

Which character ??? as performed by Stephen Hoye ??? was your favorite?

Lee

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

WONDERFUL!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would absolutely recommend this book to a friend!
It was such a well researched and written book that
was flawlessly narrated with passion and complete understanding
of the story.

Which character – as performed by Stephen Hoye – was your favorite?

All of the characters were so well done it is almost impossible to choose a
favorite, but if forced to make a choice it would have
to be Armistead. When he speaks to Longstreet the night
before Pickett's Charge about his feelings and friendship with
Hancock it is so very moving and heartfelt.

If you could rename The Killer Angels, what would you call it?

Simply, "Gettysburg".

Any additional comments?

Don't hesitate to purchase this book. It is one of
those rare stories that you just don't want to end.