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.
