Gods and Generals / The Killer Angels / The Last Full Measure

As an historian, I think it is an honest depiction of not only the Civil War but an incite into the private lives and motivations of the commanders from both the North and the South. I literally could not put it down!!

Whether you are a history buff, a Civil War Affectinato, or just looking for a great read, this is the book. It brings the hardships, blessings, and intimate thoughts of the soldiers and officers into a meaningful novel. I could not put it down, and wanted another 400 pages.

These three books are great. They can be read and enjoyed whether your background in Civil War history is scarce or in depth. I have a BA in history and my husband has only a high school background and we were both unable to put them down. You will be left with a greater appreciation for the tremendous sacrifices made by the men and women who lived and died in this most difficult period in our history.

Having just visited 5 of these battlefields recently, this was the best time to devour these books. They helped clarify what we had seen and to help me remember more of the details. The books are very well written and not full of boring descriptions. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in the Civil War.

Must read for all Civil War buffs. Usually shy away from fictionalized war novels but this combo of fiction/non-fiction made me rethink. Thoughts and insights from main characters seemed just as real as documented facts. Am now looking into more Shaara works.

I learned many things about the fight between the North and South that I didn't know. For example, it's a shame that Gen. Longstreet took the brunt of blame for the tragedy of Gettysburgh yet Gen. Stuart who was nowhere near the battle and was supposed to be searching for the Yanks got away with a tap on his wrist for being negligent in his duties. I also didn't know the President was assassinated just a few days of Gen. Lee's surrender.

I never enjoyed history in school or after college. Reading the Civil War Trilogy by Jeff Shaara, has helped me to appreciate the history of my country. Now I can and want to pick up a history book and learn more about our American history.

An outstanding series on the Civil War period. I finally understand how our countrymen endured such tragedy. It is not a history series but a series of Novels, based on fact. Killer Angels is the best of the three.

The Shaara's have done a superlative job in telling their fictional story of the Civil War Years. It is so real it becomes difficult to remember that it is fiction set in a non-fiction setting. Congratulations on a wonderful literal achievement.

First book is solid, but really kind of glosses over slavery - and Lee's commitment to it. Regarding Lee, it's a bit too much "godly gentleman farmer defends homeland," which I believe is too tilted toward the Southern view of history. The second book is fantastic. The father was just a better historian and writer, and reading all three in succession makes this painfully clear. The final book drowns in mind-numbing, non-essential detail that renders battles incoherent and just drags on forever. It's a shame the son could not live up to the father, because Killer Angels is great.