ePub A Killer Angels Companion by D. Scott Hartwig in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Not quite what I was expecting; but good nonethelessBy WryGuy2In “A Killer Angels Companion”; historian D Scott Hartwig provides a short companion volume to author Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel; “The Killer Angels”. In it; he looks at some of the key events in the novel and discusses how historically accurate they were. And after the battle; he tells what happened to the various characters in the book.Rather than his focusing primarily on the items where he disagreed with; I was expected a broader; more nuanced discourse; perhaps covering the battle in more detail; and showing how Shaara’s work fit into the battle’s historical framework; while highlighting both the accurate and inaccurate parts. However; it was useful just to read Hartwig’s dissection of the portions of the book that he felt were inaccurate. Within his book; Hartwig praises Lee and to a lesser extent Meade; while Longstreet not so much.I’m fairly well read on the Civil War; so the section dealing with happened afterwards to the leading characters of Shaara’s book didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know; but it would be useful to those people whose primary exposure to the Civil War was “Killer Angels”.Overall; this was a good; albeit short; book. Four stars.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A fine study of that great novelBy Lady Of the Dark TowerA fine study of that great novel. I am particularly pleased with the revelations about the changes in truths of history and history people in order to make the author's idea of past events and the characters of these historic figures. Very good.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful and useful book.By Gloria J. MccaryWhile paying tribute to Shaara's literary masterpiece; the Killer Angels Companion points out historical inaccuracies in the novel. The Killer Angel's Companion is a must have book for those of us who are fascinated by the Battle of Gettysburg. Everyone who has read the novel and has visited the battlefield should purchase this book!