Summary This chapter could be named “confusion, chaos, and frustration.” Lee struggles to get a handle on what is happening at the head of his army, as well as get the army through a narrow pass before being attacked by the enemy. Lee senses his commanders may not be in […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Wednesday, July 1, 1863 – 3. LeeSummary and Analysis Wednesday, July 1, 1863 – 2. Buford
Summary The battle begins, seen from Buford’s side. The attack comes at dawn near Seminary Ridge but is short-lived. The Rebels try again and again, but Buford’s men repel them. Buford expects his opposing commander will probe his line to define his position and strength, but that doesn’t happen. They […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Wednesday, July 1, 1863 – 2. BufordSummary and Analysis Wednesday, July 1, 1863 – 1. Lee
Summary In the early morning hours, Lee is struggling with chest pains and declining health. He has a strong sense of urgency in him to finish this war before his time, and that of the South, runs out. The attitudes of his men toward him show clearly. They view him […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Wednesday, July 1, 1863 – 1. LeeSummary and Analysis Monday, June 29, 1863 – 4. Longstreet
Summary It is night in Longstreet’s camp, and all the officers are relaxing around the campfire playing poker. Longstreet is renowned at poker, but no longer plays since the death of his children. He prefers to sit off to the side, close enough to listen, far enough away to be […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Monday, June 29, 1863 – 4. LongstreetSummary and Analysis Monday, June 29, 1863 – 3. Buford
Summary Shaara temporarily shifts the point of view to the book’s “narrator” to set the scene. The narrator describes the land west of Gettysburg and reveals that the Rebels are entering Gettysburg from the west, blue cavalry is approaching from the south, and the two are watching each other from […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Monday, June 29, 1863 – 3. BufordSummary and Analysis Monday, June 29, 1863 – 2. Chamberlain
Summary Shaara introduces Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, commander of the 20th Maine Regiment. He is suffering from heatstroke after marching 80 miles in four days. Also introduced are his younger brother Tom, who is his aide, and Buster Kilrain. Tom adores his older brother and struggles to remember to refer […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Monday, June 29, 1863 – 2. ChamberlainSummary and Analysis Monday, June 29, 1863 – 1. The Spy
Summary Harrison is a spy hired by General Longstreet. Working behind enemy lines, he discovers important changes in the location, strength, and leadership of the Union Army. He has identified some of the units and determined where they are going and how fast they are moving. Though it is raining […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Monday, June 29, 1863 – 1. The SpySummary and Analysis Foreword
Summary The book opens with a present tense narration that sets the time, players, and place. It is mid-June of 1863. The Army of Northern Virginia is heading north behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, stealthily making its way to Pennsylvania. The Army of the Potomac is also moving, but slower, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis ForewordCharacter List
Confederacy Lee, General Robert E. (the Old Gray Fox) commander of the Army of Northern Virginia Longstreet, Lieutenant General James (Pete, Old Peter, Dutch, Old Pete, War Horse) 1st Army Corps commander and Lee’s most valued commander Armistead, Brigadier General Lewis A. (Lo, Lothario) Pickett’s brigade commander, who was close […]
Read more Character ListAbout The Killer Angels
The book tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg, attempting to present both a factual retelling of events as well as the emotional experience of living it. The book introduces the armies and individuals, the events leading up to the battle, and the action on a day-by-day, moment-by-moment basis. […]
Read more About The Killer Angels