Gettysburg

[firefly177]

Can anybody recommend a book or other media that would describe in great detail the three days battle at Gettysburg? Some time ago I purchased the Park Service maps of each days action that greatly details the units engaged and their movements each day. What I would like to do is drill down into the narrative of the actions. Re-watching Turner's Gettysburg illustrated the stories I don't know, and want to know...

Jim

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

If you're new to the study of Gettysburg, I recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0618485384/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

It's a very readable, complete study of the campaign.

 

[101combatvet]

My favorite book, The Gettysburg Campaign: A Study in Command by Edwin Coddington.

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

My favorite book, The Gettysburg Campaign: A Study in Command by Edwin Coddington.

The only reason why I didn't recommend that one is that it might be a bit dense for a beginner. It is, of course, a classic and the "bible" for Gettysburg nuts, but I'm not sure it's the best book for a newbie to try to cut his teeth on.

 

[tmh10]

The only reason why I didn't recommend that one is that it might be a bit dense for a beginner. It is, of course, a classic and the "bible" for Gettysburg nuts, but I'm not sure it's the best book for a newbie to try to cut his teeth on.

I am reading Coddington's book now. I am enjoying it very much and learning things I didn't know, but Im glad I had read several other books on Gettysburg first. Coddington goes into a lot of detail on troop movements and other information that may bog down a reader that is just starting to learn about the battle, but for the reader who has already read several accounts, then a lot of Coddington's information is of more intrest.

 

[101combatvet]

The only reason why I didn't recommend that one is that it might be a bit dense for a beginner. It is, of course, a classic and the "bible" for Gettysburg nuts, but I'm not sure it's the best book for a newbie to try to cut his teeth on.

I agree Sears wrote a fabulous book. However, I was so impressed by Coddington that I had to find a first edition in excellent condition. Gettysburg nut here.

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

I am reading Coddington's book now. I am enjoying it very much and learning things I didn't know, but Im glad I had read several other books on Gettysburg first. Coddington goes into a lot of detail on troop movements and other information that may bog down a reader that is just starting to learn about the battle, but for the reader who has already read several accounts, then a lot of Coddington's information is of more intrest.

And that's certainly what I did.

 

[101combatvet]

Now if I could only find a signed first edition in excellent condition.

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

Now if I could only find a signed first edition in excellent condition.

I understand.

I own Coddington's personal copy of the history of the Philadelphia Brigade. That's one of my favorite books of my library.

 

[tmh10]

Now if I could only find a signed first edition in excellent condition.

Ha, 101, you must have deep pockets. I had to settle for the paperback.

 

[101combatvet]

Ha, 101, you must have deep pockets. I had to settle for the paperback.

I purchased my first edition copy at my shooting club's gun show. A bargain at twenty bucks.

 

[tmh10]

I purchased my first edition copy at my shooting club's gun show. A bargain at twenty bucks.

Can't blame you for that, I would have been more than happy to hand over a twenty for that deal.

 

[nitrofd]

Sear's book is very good but I would also include Allen C.Guelzo' book "Gettysburg The Last Invasion".it's is a good read

 

[101combatvet]

Can't blame you for that, I would have been more than happy to hand over a twenty for that deal.

I have found some crazy deals there, best club in the area since 1938. Membership is currently capped.

 

[tmh10]

Another book on Gettysburg that I found interesting was by Comte de Paris, The Battle of Gettysburg. It is not the difinitive work on the subject, but I found some interesting information in it and it was written I think in the 1880's, so not too much time passed after the battle.

 

[firefly177]

The only reason why I didn't recommend that one is that it might be a bit dense for a beginner. It is, of course, a classic and the "bible" for Gettysburg nuts, but I'm not sure it's the best book for a newbie to try to cut his teeth on.

Now I will agree that I can be a bit dense at times )) but I am well studied in history so this would be a revisit for me. I lived about 2 hours away and had visited Gettysburg many times and took advantage of the many tour types (tape, bus, helicopter) to try to take in as much as I could.

I even had the opportunity to take a college level course titled "Gettysburg and Antietam" given at Anne Arundel Community College and taught by a professor from the Naval Academy. She was awesome and the class included a field trip to each battlefield. That was the best college class I have ever taken. I was actually hoping to reconnect with the Professor for more conversations on the Civil War.

Now I am too far a away for a foray to Gettysburg but the interest is there to know all I can about that battle...

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

I meant that the book was dense, not you. LOL.

IF you're not a complete newbie, then perhaps Coddington won't be too much. However, I think that the suggestion of reading a couple of other lighter tomes first is a good one.

If you want to get specialized after reading some campaign study stuff, just ask.

 

[firefly177]

I meant that the book was dense, not you. LOL.

Yea, I figured that but couldn't resist the humor...

I have wish listed all of these suggestions. If there are more I am all ears. Thanks folks for your time and input...

 

[cash]

My personal favorite is Guelzo's book. While I think he's too harsh on Meade, it's wonderfully written and he has backing for his claims. He's not everyone's cup of tea, though, because he's not afraid to make a controversial interpretation of what the sources say.

Sears' book is also well written, but I think it suffers a bit from Sears' relative unfamiliarity with the terrain.

Trudeau's book is good for a lot of the detail from the soldiers.

Coddington is very accurate, but also very dry.

To get into even more detail, Harry Pfanz has a book on the first day, a book on the second day, and a book on Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill. Pfanz is a former Chief Historian at Gettysburg.

Martin has a book on the first day also, but avoid the first edition which had many errors that were corrected in the second edition.

 

[28thNewYork]

Start with an overview--Catton is still my favorite. Then Coddington, Sears, Guelzo--not necessarily in that order, but all three--mix together and enjoy a number of perspectives with appropriate detail. Then look into the regimental histories that focus even more on the detail.