Summary
The Killer Angels, Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, offers a vivid and poignant portrayal of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. Published in 1974, this acclaimed work of historical fiction has sold more than three million copies and remains a cornerstone of Civil War literature. Shaara's unique approach presents the battle from multiple perspectives, bringing to life the thoughts and emotions of key figures from both the Union and Confederate armies.
Beyond its literary accolades, The Killer Angels has been required reading in military institutions, including West Point and the US Army War College, cementing its place as a crucial text for understanding military strategy and leadership. Shaara's work has also influenced popular culture, inspiring the 1993 epic film Gettysburg, Ken Burns's acclaimed PBS documentary series on the Civil War, and Joss Whedon's science fiction series Firefly.
Plot
In late June 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee leads his army into Pennsylvania, hoping to draw out and decisively defeat the Union Army of the Potomac. As the Confederate forces approach Gettysburg, a spy informs General James Longstreet about the Union army's movements. Despite Lee's initial skepticism, he decides to engage the enemy at Gettysburg.
The battle begins on July 1 when the Confederate infantry encounters the Union cavalry, led by General John Buford. The Union forces secure high ground and manage to hold it against the initial Confederate attack. Although Union General John Reynolds is killed in the fighting, his troops arrive to support Buford. By nightfall, the Union army has established a strong defensive position on the high ground while the Confederates celebrate what they believe to be another victory.
On July 2, Longstreet attempts to persuade Lee that the Union's entrenched position is too strong and suggests finding more favorable ground for battle. Lee, however, orders a flanking attack on the Union position. Meanwhile, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and his Maine regiment are tasked with holding the end of the Union line at all costs. In a brilliant and costly maneuver, Chamberlain successfully repels the Confederate assault.
The battle reaches its climax on July 3 when Lee, believing the Union center to be weakened, orders a massive frontal assault. Despite Longstreet's objections, General George Pickett leads the charge across open ground under heavy cannon fire. The attack, known as Pickett's Charge, is ultimately repulsed with heavy Confederate losses. A shaken Lee orders a retreat, while Chamberlain grows confident of an impending Union victory.
Themes
Conflict between duty and personal beliefs
Leadership and decision-making
Brotherhood and camaraderie
The human cost of war
Changing nature of warfare and military tactics
Ideological divide between North and South
Role of individuals in shaping historical events
Setting
The Killer Angels is set during the American Civil War, specifically focusing on the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. This pivotal conflict took place in south-central Pennsylvania, as Confederate forces led by General Robert E. Lee pushed northward into Union territory. The story unfolds over four days, from June 29 to July 3, capturing the tension and drama of this decisive engagement.
Gettysburg, a small market town, becomes the epicenter of the battle. The surrounding farmland, rolling hills, and strategic high ground—including locations like Little Round Top and Cemetery Ridge—play crucial roles in the unfolding military tactics. Shaara vividly describes the terrain, allowing readers to visualize the challenges faced by both armies as they maneuver across the Pennsylvania landscape.
Characters
Robert E. Lee: Commanding general of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. A brilliant tactician revered by his men, Lee is determined to strike a decisive blow against the Union. Despite his strategic prowess, Lee's unwavering faith in his army's capabilities and his reluctance to adapt to changing circumstances ultimately contribute to the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg. His complex character embodies the internal conflicts of the Confederacy itself.
James Longstreet: Lieutenant General in the Confederate Army and Lee's right-hand man. Longstreet is a brooding, pragmatic officer who disagrees with Lee's aggressive tactics at Gettysburg. His foresight and strategic thinking are often at odds with Lee's more audacious plans, creating tension between the two men. Longstreet's struggle to balance loyalty with his military judgment forms a central conflict in the novel.
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain: Colonel of the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment. A professor turned soldier, Chamberlain is an idealistic and intelligent leader who plays a crucial role in defending Little Round Top. His tactical ingenuity and personal bravery during the battle exemplify the best qualities of the Union cause. Chamberlain's philosophical reflections on the nature of the war and human conflict add depth to the narrative.
John Buford: Union cavalry general who recognizes the strategic importance of Gettysburg. His decision to defend the high ground outside the town proves critical to the Union's eventual victory. Buford's foresight and determination in the early stages of the battle set the stage for the entire conflict.
George Pickett: The Confederate Major General who leads the ill-fated charge on the third day of battle. Pickett's enthusiasm and confidence before the assault starkly contrast with the devastating outcome of his charge. His character represents the tragic cost of war and the sometimes misplaced optimism of military leadership.
Lewis Armistead: Confederate Brigadier General and close friend of Union General Hancock. Armistead's personal conflict between duty and friendship humanizes the broader tragedy of the Civil War. His fate during Pickett's Charge is one of the most poignant moments in the novel.
George Meade: Newly appointed commander of the Union Army of the Potomac. Meade's cautious leadership style contrasts with Lee's aggression, influencing the battle's outcome.
Arthur Fremantle: British observer accompanying the Confederate army. Fremantle's outsider perspective provides insight into how the Confederacy was viewed internationally.
Buster Kilrain: A fictional character serving as a private in Chamberlain's regiment. Kilrain represents the common soldier's perspective and serves as a foil to Chamberlain's more intellectual approach to the war.
Henry Thomas Harrison: Confederate spy who provides crucial intelligence to Lee. His information sets the stage for the confrontation at Gettysburg.
Quick facts
The Killer Angels won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1975.
The title comes from a speech given by Colonel Chamberlain titled “Man the Killer Angel.”
Michael Shaara’s historical fiction masterpiece was adapted into the 1993 epic film Gettysburg, directed by Ronald F. Maxwell.
The Killer Angels is one of only two novels on the US Army's recommended reading list for officers.
Joss Whedon cited the novel as inspiration for his TV series Firefly.
The Killer Angels renewed interest in and reevaluation of General James Longstreet's reputation.
The book dramatically increased tourism to the 20th Maine monument at Gettysburg.
General Norman Schwarzkopf called The Killer Angels the “best and most realistic historical novel about war."
The book has sold more than 2.5 million copies since its publication in 1974.
About the Author
Michael Shaara (1928-1988) was an American author best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Killer Angels. Born in New Jersey to Italian immigrant parents, Shaara pursued a diverse career path before becoming a writer, including stints as a police officer, amateur boxer, and paratrooper. He earned his BA from Rutgers University in 1951 and later taught creative writing at Florida State University.
Shaara's writing career began in the 1950s with science fiction and fantasy stories published in various magazines. His first novel, The Broken Place, was published in 1968 to critical acclaim but modest sales. Despite facing numerous rejections, Shaara persevered and eventually published The Killer Angels in 1974, a novel that would cement his literary legacy. The book, a vivid portrayal of the Battle of Gettysburg, initially struggled to find an audience but later became a bestseller and required reading in many schools, including West Point.
Throughout his life, Shaara faced significant health challenges. A severe heart attack at age 36 and a devastating motorcycle accident in 1972 left him with lasting physical and emotional effects. These experiences likely influenced his writing, particularly in works like The Broken Place and The Herald. Despite these setbacks, Shaara continued to write, producing novels that spanned various genres, including historical fiction, science fiction, and sports fiction.
Shaara's literary impact extends beyond his own works. His son, Jeffrey Shaara, has continued his father's legacy by writing historical fiction bestsellers. The Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction, established by Jeffrey, honors outstanding Civil War novels annually.
