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

I can see why it wasn't popular during the Vietnam

lovely writing and wonderful history. must go to Gettysburg after listening to the book. but the glorification of war is oddly disquieting in this age of fe

My Favorite

This was the first audiobook I ever purchased. That was some years ago. I can't think of a better book to start a love affair with audiobooks.

A timeless, classic tale of gallantry and heroism

The book pulls you back and forth between the gentlemanly conversations of Lee and Longstreet and Col Chamberlain screaming charge as the rebels push up the hill.

Great book!

This book helps me better understand the nuances of complex issues surrounding the Civil War.

Deeply moving

A wonderful account of the battle of Gettysburg. I feel a great sense of loss for both sides which makes sense because it was a civil war and I am a proud American. Highly recommended.

WHY HAVEN'T WE LEARNED?

Amazing story of the conflict, brother against brother and family united!! Responsibility and then PRIDE!!!!

Good.. great for a history buff though

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

To history buffs and extreme fans of the civil war. Little too much detail for this moderately interested listener.

Simply the best book about war ever written..

Great! I've read it 5 times, and it's better each time. Excellent narration, really bring the battle and the players to life. What an incredible event in American history.

loved!

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the characters - gives a new dimension to the history of the battle of Gettysburg. Wasn't pleased with the narrating at first, but didn't take long for me to really enjoy.

Heartfelt

Descriptive combination of history in novel form. Greatly enjoyable read. One feels as if they are present at the battle.