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

Excellent for a taste of Civil War history

With the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg last month, and my relatively close proximity to the battlegrounds, I was interested in knowing more about that battle in particular, but the Civil War in general. Having recently read more novelized versions of historical events, I went in search of fiction rather than textbook. The Killer Angels delivered, preserving fact and context, but presenting it in a story-like way that made the events feel much more personal, as it should. Narration was very adept, especially given the various perspectives that are presented in this book.

Outstanding Book on the Battle of Gettysburg

Where does The Killer Angels rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is by far the best book that I have listened to from Audible. The performance is spot on and perhaps even adds to the overall experience. I felt that the characters really came alive through Stephen Hoye's performance.
The story was really compelling and I found myself torn between wanting to listen and not wanting it to end. (Amazing when you consider that I knew how the novel would turn out)

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Killer Angels?

The Novel is solid all the way through. I just loved the way that Michael Shaara discribed Joshua Chamberlain's defense of Little Round Top during the 2nd day of the battle of Gettysburg. He instantly became a man I wanted to know more about.

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

I doubt that if I had just read the book myself that I would have enjoyed the novel more. He must have done much preperation for this reading because his performance was masterful. I will seek out other books by this narrator.

If you could rename The Killer Angels, what would you call it?

The Battle of Gettysburg

The Killer Angels

This is a classic that I have read many times over. The character develop is extremely detailed. I will shelve and reread again in a year or so.

Priceless

While on active duty in the Marine Corps, I read Killer Angels twice. I wanted to hear it read this time. I can say, it was even better the third time around. I could almost smell and hear the environment of Gettysburg during those three tragic days. I've visited Gettysburg twice, once as a young boy and once as a student at Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School. I now want to visit again. The narrator made the story come alive. Michael Shaara and his son Jeff Shaara are masters of military story telling.

Excellent

I am no student of military history,but have long been fascinated by the US Civil War.
I visited the Gettysburg battlefield some years ago,and in spite of making an audio-guided tour,visiting the info. centre,etc etc,I remember coming away completely confused as to what happened where,It was just too big.
Listening to this book has now made that visit worthwhile.
By presenting the story of the battle from the points of the main combatants,Lee,Chamberlain,Armstead and others,the author showed what a tremendous undertaking took place during those few days.He portrays vividly the conflicting loyalties,the moral debate,the pride,horror,confusion,sacrifice and call to duty which must have been experienced by those who fought.
I found the narrative mostly impartial as to the questions of right and wrong of either side in the conflict,and that was welcome.
Chamberlains bayonet charge at Little Round Top,and Picketts' charge at Cemetary Ridge on the last day of the battle are vividly brought to life with the screams,fire and smoke live in my imagination.
So sad,so sad.

Loved it! Take a look at a map of Gettysburgh

I struggled with this the first time, but after looking quickly at a few maps of the battle for maybe 10 minutes, I found the novel extremely exciting.

Great Book

Great Book. I really enjoyed the narrative style and the character details. I think it provides a little insight into the civil war

Great

Would you listen to The Killer Angels again? Why?

A great book. Combines historical fact with fictional (and non-fictional) characters to tell the story.

Great Book, I totally recommend it. five star.

There are not many books that I have listened to three or four times. This is one of them. I find it compelling every time I go through it.

If you know anyone that you want to interest in Civil War history, this book should do it.

Wow!

Wow. I was not expecting this! It is masterpiece of American literature and a history lesson extraordinaire.