Gettysburg: The Last Invasion

By: Allen C. Guelzo

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 22 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

From the acclaimed Civil War historian, a brilliant new history–the most intimate and richly readable account we have had–of the climactic three-day battle of Gettysburg (July 1–3, 1863), which draws the reader into the heat, smoke, and grime of Gettysburg alongside the ordinary soldier, and depicts the combination of personalities and circumstances that produced the greatest battle of the Civil War, and one of the greatest in human history.

Of the half-dozen full-length histories of the battle of Gettysburg written over the last century, none dives down so closely to the experience of the individual soldier, or looks so closely at the sway of politics over military decisions, or places the battle so firmly in the context of nineteenth-century military practice. Allen C. Guelzo shows us the face, the sights, and the sounds of nineteenth-century combat: the lay of the land, the fences and the stone walls, the gunpowder clouds that hampered movement and vision; the armies that caroused, foraged, kidnapped, sang, and were so filthy they could be smelled before they could be seen; the head-swimming difficulties of marshaling massive numbers of poorly trained soldiers, plus thousands of animals and wagons, with no better means of communication than those of Caesar and Alexander.

What emerges is an untold story, from the trapped and terrified civilians in Gettysburg’s cellars to the insolent attitude of artillerymen, from the taste of gunpowder cartridges torn with the teeth to the sounds of marching columns, their tin cups clanking like an anvil chorus. Guelzo depicts the battle with unprecedented clarity, evoking a world where disoriented soldiers and officers wheel nearly blindly through woods and fields toward their clash, even as poetry and hymns spring to their minds with ease in the midst of carnage. Rebel soldiers look to march on Philadelphia and even New York, while the Union struggles to repel what will be the final invasion of the North. One hundred and fifty years later, the cornerstone battle of the Civil War comes vividly to life as a national epic, inspiring both horror and admiration.

©2013 Allen C. Guelzo (P)2013 Random House

Critic reviews

“Stirring . . . robust, memorable reading that will appeal to Civil War buffs, professional historians and general readers alike.” ( Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Few battles provoke debate like Gettysburg, whose bibliography exceeds 6,000 items. One more won’t settle the what-ifs, but Guelzo’s entry identifies key controversies, trenchantly advocates its interpretations, and rests on a sensible foundation, the confusion of a Civil War battle . . . [ Gettysburg: The Last Invasion] reads like the battle might have been experienced . . . Guelzo demonstrates versatile historical skill in this superior treatment of Gettysburg.” (Booklist, starred review)

“Despite all that has been written about the battle of Gettysburg, Allen Guelzo provides new information and insights in this stirring account. Unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom, he praises General O. O. Howard, maintains that General George Meade did indeed contemplate retreat on July 2 but was persuaded otherwise by subordinates, and criticizes Meade for missed opportunities in the pursuit after the battle. Readers will find much to think about in this book.” (James M. McPherson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Battle Cry of Freedom)

Very detailed

This is a great book about the battle of Gettysburg. The author really covers everything and I would highly recommend this book.The author covers every key person and then some along with some nice background information. I liked at the end last chapter maybe you get the authors analysis on events.

good book must read this.. awesome

loved it very good book to read about history
must read carefully please there are others

Fascinating Account of the Gettysburg Campaign

Dr. Guelzo’s detailed account of the Gettysburg campaign is by far the best book I have read on the subject. Dr. Guelzo is pretty balanced in his depiction on the battle. Guelzo did not try to excuse Lee’s errors in judgement on poor health, JEB Stuart’s tardiness or the loss of Stonewall Jackson. The author also did not credit General Meade for the victory. The credit was given to the bravery of the Union troops and blame was placed primarily on the hubris of Robert E. Lee.

The performance of Robertson Dean was top notch. Highly Recommend.

Detailed and comprehensive

I got this book after spending a few days at the Gettysburg battlefield. Invaluable to help provide an overview and context. His focus on the politics and personalities of the leaders was eye opening, and the details of the ordinary soldier's experience vivid. Unimaginable carnage, chaos, and valor. Admirable book if at times overwhelming.

Better with maps

What did you love best about Gettysburg?

I loved the detail, the amount of background information, and the authors encyclopedic knowledge of the Civil War, especially the Battle of Gettysburg. My only advice is: before listening to this book, it may be helpful to go to the Wikipedia website and down load maps from the Gettysburg Campaign. It helped me understand the complexity of moving thousands of men and materials, as well as what goes into preparing for battle, and how the battle was played out.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Iron Brigade of the Union Army because they stood and fought longer and harder, suffering the most devastating losses, than anyone else on the Union side.

Have you listened to any of Robertson Dean’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but the narration was excellent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, but the description of the carnage was cringe-worthy.

Any additional comments?

The best thing to listen to when you are facing what seems to be an overwhelmingly difficult time in your life.

One of the best I’ve listened to - content and reader

Excellent work - and offers an insight into the individual perspectives of those who lead AND fought the battle. Kudos!

Excellent compilation of reality of the war!

A truly gifted author making clear the different actions known as Gettysburg. Gives great insight to the warring factions in America then and even to this day. Makes one look at the times and trials of citizen participants that befell the locals. Inspiring reading with a desire to know more.

A truly timely history

History, like our own life stories is so much a matter of perception, ours and those who “chronicle” our lives from their own chair.

Guelzo cuts a most sincere path to actual history with his mindfulness and regular attention to the role of historic memory and mythology on actual history. He consistently calls out deliberate misrepresentations- and humanizes errantly mythologized characters with withering exposure to a cross section of documents, private letters and fellow generals from both sides in battle reports.

He allows the reader to comprehend the fog of war through soldiers’ eyes, and to experience the tension and fractiousness with the Army of the Potomac, where the real reason for the Cult of McClellan and his tepidness and tardiness was its disdain for Lincoln and his Party’s desire for total defeat of the South and growing sentiment for an end to slavery as a condition for peace and reunification.

Cuelzo Corrects many other less significant myths and week history, always letting the first-hand sources and the soldiers and civilians do the talking for him.

An amazing book and a great listen!

I don’t usually write reviews…. I usually just give them the star decisions….

But this was an awesome experience…. And it changed my view of both the battle and the Army of the Potomac…. And significantly lowered my opinion of Meade…. I was not expecting this result……

And don’t forget to listen to the interview at the end…. That alone was worth the price of the audiobook!

Masterful and Inspiring

An excellent and well-researched account that is well told by both the author and the presenter. I also purchased the print book and followed along with the maps and found myself re-reading parts I had listened—not because it was necessary, but because I wanted to.

The first three or so chapters and the epilogue alone stand as exceptional discussion of the initiation, nature and meaning of the Civil War.