The Killer Angels

The Classic Novel of the Civil War

By: Michael Shaara

Narrated by: Stephen Hoye

Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • After more than a quarter of a century and three million copies in print, Michael Shaara’s Civil War classic, The Killer Angels, remains as vivid and powerful as the day it was originally published.

July 1863. The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia is invading the North. General Robert E. Lee has made this daring and massive move with seventy thousand men in a determined effort to draw out the Union Army of the Potomac and mortally wound it. His right hand is General James Longstreet, a brooding man who is loyal to Lee but stubbornly argues against his plan. Opposing them is an unknown factor: General George Meade, who has taken command of the Army only two days before what will be perhaps the crucial battle of the Civil War.

In the four most bloody and courageous days of our nation’s history, two armies fight for two conflicting dreams. One dreams of freedom, the other of a way of life. More than rifles and bullets are carried into battle. The soldiers carry memories. Promises. Love. And more than men fall on those Pennsylvania fields. Bright futures, untested innocence, and pristine beauty are also the casualties of war.

The Killer Angels is unique, sweeping, unforgettable–a dramatic re-creation of the battleground for America’s destiny.

©1974 Michael Shaara, copyright renewed 2002 Jeffrey M. Shaara & Lila E. Shaara (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Pulitzer Prize winner, Fiction 1975

“My favorite historical novel . . . A superb re-creation of the Battle of Gettysburg, but its real importance is its insight into what the war was about, and what it meant.”—James M. McPherson

“Remarkable . . . A book that changed my life . . . I had never visited Gettysburg, knew almost nothing about that battle before I read the book, but here it all came alive.”—Ken Burns, filmmaker

“Shaara carries [the reader] swiftly and dramatically to a climax as exciting as if it were being heard for the first time.”—The Seattle Times

As good as it gets

In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful novels ever written. It is historical fiction at its absolute best.

Walk in their shoes

Great narrative of what it would have been like to walk in these historical figures shoes.
I recommend, read the book, walk Gettysburg battlefield, read the book again. Having done this over a 10 year span was awe inspiring. You can see the rocks, trees and fences these combatants fought behind.

Outstanding!

Fantastic book and beautiful narration. I will be visiting the battlefield for having listened. Thank you.

incredible

a fascinating and in depth look at not only the battle but the war and the time period. must read.

Killer Angels

A most interesting and entertaining view into the Civil War. A better understanding of the characters and their personalities that lead to events, victories, and defeats.

An Incredible Read

I read this as a kid and I had been meaning to go back and read it again. This is absolutely the best historical fiction novel ever written. It puts you directly into the conversations, decisions, and actions of the brave men who fought at Gettysburg. Now, more than ever before, it is imperative for us to understand our history so we may not repeat it.

War Story

The best was how the opposing armies respected each other. The worst is the number of men who died that day. May we remember that we should never have to do it again.

Fluid writing. The battles within this battle are engrossing, even to me, a non fan of military stories.

This book is supremely readable; I have read it 3 times and it just carries you along effortlessly. The audio version is nearly as good.

Perfect Read for Future Leaders!

This book was more about leadership styles than it was about the war. It’s a perfect book for all ages! I’ve already recommended it to adults in leadership positions and teachers/parents wanting to find a way to pique the interest of children!

Entertaining and informative

I liked the voice doing the narration and the pacing. It was entertaining to consider each man’s perspective.