Gettysburg

A Novel of the Civil War

By: Newt Gingrich, William R. Forstchen

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Length: 17 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and veteran author William R. Forstchen combine their talents in this powerful and rousing alternate history of the most legendary Civil War clash.

After two days of brutal combat, Confederate General Robert E. Lee is faced with an agonizing decision. He can either launch a frontal assault directly at the center of Union lines, or he can flank the Federals and attack from the rear. Choosing the second option, Lee sends his troops around the Union army, cutting them off from Washington, D.C. and their supplies. Staring at the face of disaster, the Federals are forced into a desperate fight to survive.

Gettysbury is a fascinating "what if?" novel that faithfully brings to life the major players in America's greatest battle and places them in an entirely plausible scenario. Through Tom Stechschulte's stirring narration, listeners will marvel at what could have been.

©2003 Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Well-executed alternative history....The novel has a narrative drive and vigor that makes the climactic battle scene a real masterpiece of its kind." (Publishers Weekly)

Gingrich should have stuck to writing.

For all the damage I believe Newt Gingrich did to the political system of this country by promoting and laying the groundwork of divisiveness and incivility as opposed to the political parties working together, which lasts to this day and for which he should truly be ashamed of himself... he happened here to co-author a pretty fantastic novel. It’s definitely worth a read if you’re into historical fiction. It just won’t keep Mr. Gingrich off the roles of those that helped destroy the fabric of the United States.

A whole new outlook for the Battle of Gettysburg

Started innocently with the day one narrative that was true to actual history. Then the story swerved in a whole new direction giving thought to the age old question of what would happen if Lee had chosen to bypass the Union line at Gettysburg. I recall a similar scenario in Grant Comes East but it was well worth the read to those who like alternative history novels.

Review of Gettysburg

Kept my interest all the time. Hard to put down. Looking forward to more like this one.

Great historical listen!

Gives listener deeper understanding of the war.
Insight into the lives instead of just historical details and facts. Descriptions of wounds and deaths so real caused visceral reactions.

Stunningly well written and heartbreaking!

This book has no equal in it’s pathos, ethos, and beautiful writing. Regardless of which side of this great conflict one prefers, this story gives them all honor and deference to the sacrifice of thousands for the freedom of man, or the hope of a new country. Well done!

I love

The authors ascribe "Active History" to their form of story telling. I think this book does an excellent job in re-telling the Gettyburg story and "what if?" They stick to the facts for most of the early part of the novel and enlighten us all on the problems of command without the advantages of good maps and tele/radio communications. Further, we learn about the massive logistical requirements of an Army in 1863. I believe this novel's outcome to be very plausible.

My only complaint is modest. I can believe Gen. Lee might be swayed to change his mind, but the authors also ask us to believe Gen. Longstreet, now that Jackson is dead, will force march like he has never done before. Maybe he would. However, the final battle takes place because Gen. Meade is neither able to control the Army of the Potomac nor receive Lincoln’s message to avoid the destruction of that army. We are pushing too many “what ifs” for my comfort. These seem to me to contradict the author's "Active History" philosophy.

These merely multiply in the second and third books of the trilogy.

But it’s a great read regardless.

You really need a Map & List of the characters

This account is so detailed that it left me somewhat confused. I am not a Civil War buff so trying to keep track of the characters and just where they were geographically was very difficult for me. I assume that the personalities involved were based on fact and their personalities added greatly to the background of the decisions and action.

I did feel let down at the end as the book did not actually have the end of the battle and the famous Picket charge and subsequent Lincoln speech.

Tom Stechschulte did a great job in the narration particularly the fast pace of the battle scenes.

I gather there is a sequel which I must find.

Very interesting book.

Any additional comments?

If you like alternate history read the 3 books in this series. I have read many books on the civil war and it looks like the author did too. I feel that everyone behaved as they would have if this alternate history would have played out as the author describes. They do sell George Gordon Meade short, I don’t think he would have behaved as badly as the author shows. All 5 books are 5 star!

Quite Excellent

A story that combines the real personalities of those that fought in the War Between the States with what could have happened if anger was swapped for judgement in one momentous decision. A most excellent read.

New look at History

What did you love best about Gettysburg?

Newt labels this work as "Active History", at first I was skeptical because I am so keenly aware of the actual history of the Civil War but I loved this book and the entire series. There was something refreshing to be listening to familiar historical characters doing unexpected things... This is not history but it is VERY entertaining..!!