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

This book put you on the battlefield!

This book does justice to both sides of the conflict putting you within ear shot of pivotal characters in the middle of the action.

Maybe the best I've ever heard.

This is a story everyone knows. Yet the author was able to get me to seen in a new way - to put me in the middle of the battle. I was able to understand the thoughts and feelings of the combatants as if I was there. This is an amazing book.

Great story and great narration.

i loved this story. i couldn't believe it took me this long to finally read this story

well worth it

Great story from our nation's history and very well told. It compelled me to buy the movie Gettysburg.

Book that teaches history, at its best

This book opened my eyes to the world of historical fiction. It is a splendid work. The authors engagement in this book is clearly seen. It tells the story of Gettysburg in an exiting way, by telling through the voices of generals on both rides. You get a sence of their personality, their doubts, fears and determination. It is easey to see the battle in front of you, raging on the field. Only problem, it is to short. Sadly this audiobook does not show the maps the books contain, so I bought the book as well. A good buy if you like history.

riveting and sad

How sad that so,so many men died and Lee should have listen to Longstreet
would love to haven't Lee to see what was it about him that his soldiers loved h to their death

real good!

I hate to read because it puts me to sleep. this really saved me great book

Incredible

Imagine stepping back into the early morning of July 2nd 1863. The details and conversations throughout this novel are heartfelt and concise.

Masterpiece

This book is truly a masterpiece. So much research and passion went into its creation.

Couldn't stop listening! Donald Dever

I could really put myself in that battle. Should of listened to Longstreet. But God spoke.