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)

Excellent book (even if you know the story)

Guelzo does a superb job recounting the entire story of Gettysburg, taking on controversies along the way in a useful and convincing fashion. He captures the repeated unexpected turns of fate in the Union’s favor, esp on the third day. His last two chapters—on the aftermath in Gettysburg and Lincoln’s address—are outstanding codas to a unique and memorable history.

One of the Best Gettysburg Accounts Ever!

Hesitant at first because I have read a few versions of the Battle of Gettysburg, this work strikes me as the best one yet. The author treats all the major sub-battles with perfect detail (but not extreme detail if you know what I mean). I gained a much better appreciation for the entire battle and the realization of how close the Union came to losing. This was truly a turning point in history. The narrator is superb.

Thee War to Win

Think about this one. What if the Confederate Army didn't win Gettysburg? Would we be under a dictatorship and still have slavery? More importantly, could we have an American Hitler under our regime? What if the Union won the war, would we even be involve in two World Wars?

Gettysburg was the war that we needed to win. It shaped this country to be the land of the free and we invite all ethnicity, the poor and the rich in our country. The United States has always been the super hero to the World and even aide our enemies. That is just what we do. Assist the needy and being humble of our success.

"Gettysburg: The Last Invasion" by Allen C. Guelzo is something that I wanted to read for a while, ever since I saw the print version at Costco. Often times, I browse their book selection to know what other people are reading. When I saw Gettysburg, I knew that I wanted to read it some day. Great detail and facts in this book.

For someone that has the ability to be a critical thinker, it made me wonder what it the good side didn't win this war. Would my family from an Asian descent be prosper in America? Despite the argument on our boarders, Red White Blue and the 50 Stars has a meaning of freedom.

A must listen to for Gettysburg lovers!

The only thing i would have preferred is if Dr. Guelzo narrated it himself. Don't get me wrong, Robertson Dean is really good but if you have been fortunate enough to listen to Dr. Guelzo speak you would understand what i am saying.

Best book about Gettysburg Battle

I learned more from this book than I thought I could imagine. Way in-depth. Kudos!

Not to be missed

The narrarator was pitch perfect jn his cadence and delivery. I have listened to Robertson Dean before. He is one of the best in audio books. Allen Guelzo gives a complete history of the battle. You get the months leading up to the cival war and how the armies met at Gettysburg. First hand stories make you feel like your there. Great background on all the generals on both sides and the internal politics on both sides that effected the battle. I think the personel animosity among the leaders on both sides played a major role in the outcome. A real page turner hard to put down.

GJ

Last Chance for a 'Lost Cause'

What did you love best about Gettysburg?

The book presented a detailed, highly literate history of the battle, with the personalities and their strengths and shortcomings in sharp relief. Although it is a "military history," anyone with even a small interest in American history will be rewarded.

What does Robertson Dean bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His readings are always strong, clear and provide character to the main personalities in a way few narrators can.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Last Chance for a 'Lost Cause'

loved it

this is a great introduction to the battle. very descriptive. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it.

Excellent!!

Excellent review of Gettysburg in typical Guelzo fashion. Straight line history with frequent detours into the personalities, equipment, tactics and time period to assist the reader in gaining a deeper understanding of the battle. Only regret is that Guelzo himself didn’t choose to read. The reader did a fine job but Guelzo has such an entertaining voice that it would have added to the narrative greatly.

Outstanding

A super book on the battle. I highly recommend this authors book on the battle of Gettysburg.