Customer Reviews

Gettysburg Campaign June-july 1863 (Great Campaigns)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a very good introduction to those who want to learn a little about the battle of gettysburg. Written in an easy to read style,it covers just enough detail to whet your appetite for more, or give you confidence to talk a little on the subject: there are 20 or so short digressions intersersed throughout the text which provide a little more biographical detail on key participants, or information about notable incidents. Recommended .

A wholly satisfying and occasionally inspired account of one of the pivotal events in American history. Veteran military historian Al Nofi constructs a clear, thoughtful narrative of the entire campaign (concentrating, of course, on the three days of the battle itself). Solidly researched, and the orders of battle are noteworthy for their detail. Also of especial interest are the modules interspersed throughout the book, dealing with individual figures and interesting sidelights (including a speculation on what the battlefield must have smelled like after three days of carnage and camping out!). Nofi's assessments of individual commanders are almost always judicious, although he's rather more charitable to Dan Sickles than most historians. All in all, this is an essential addition to any Civil War historian's bookshelf.

Ya I just read this book a couple days ago and i couldnt put it down its a nice book for someone who is just starting to get into the civil war exspecially Gettysburg. I just went to Gettysburg for my first time and then read the book after and it did a good job putting everything in perspective for me. It doesnt give too many details so it makes it very easy to read and understand. I reccomend this book to anyone but mostly people who are just getting interested in the campaign. Definately worth the 5 stars!!

Want to learn what took place at Gettysburg? Get your hands on this little gem, you won't be dissapointed. Well researched and put together, it contains several footnotes detailing the battle, the Generals, and the soldiers. A must read

n preparation for a recent trip to Gettysburg, I read a number of books about this historic battle. While many were more expansive and more comprehensive, I can't think of a better place to start than The Gettysburg Campaign: June and July 1863 by Albert A. Nofi. Most of the more detailed books assume that you know the basics. As a person unfamiliar with any aspect of the military, The Gettysburg Campaign provided a lot of needed background.

Nofi breaks down the armies to explain the difference between the militia, regulars, volunteers and state troops. It was possible for a soldier to belong to more than one of these groups and to hold different ranks in each. He gives "mini-lessons" on small arms, infantry weapons and tactics, the calvary, how to load a musket, who fired the first shot, and the principal battles and skirmishes. He breaks the three day battle into one day segments, explaining what happened and who won. He provides easy to read maps and diagrams of troop movements and battles, including one of the best diagrams of Pickett's Charge that I've ever seen. He also tries to answer some key questions including what happened to J.E.B. Stuart, which side had the best generals, and where was Pickett during Pickett's Charge. The Gettysburg Campaign comes complete with a color portfolio of paintings from the battle. And at the end, Nofi provides the reader with several pages of resources for the "interested layman" that includes books, journals, films, museums and Civil War interest groups.

Nofi tries to provide a human face to the battle by spotlighting a variety of soldiers and officers. He also relates the story of John Burns, the 70 year old Gettysburg resident who was the only civilian to join in the fighting. We also learn of the young Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the three days of fighting.

For all the good things that Nofi provides in The Gettysburg Campaign, there are some major omissions. First, he should have provided the reader with a breakdown of Union and Rebel armies including corps, divisions, regiments, companies, etc. With over 160,000 soldiers engaged at Gettysburg, a listing makes it easier to piece together the pieces of this complicated puzzle. Also, I think that any nonfiction book of this nature should include an index.

Despite some problems, The Gettysburg Campaign offers lots of good information to a novice, and I'm sorry that I didn't start with this book.

A good overview of the Gettysburg campaign, from the aftermath of Chancellorsville to Lee's retreat back into Virginia. I thought a little more emphasis could have been spent on the 20th Maine under Col. Joshua Chamberlain, and how the addition of the 120 mutineers from the 2nd Maine to its roster helped give it the extra men it needed to hold onto Little Round Top.

A decent book for someone who may have a passing interest in the battle, or for a young adult. Lots of illustrations.

I got this book soon after my father and I went and saw the movie Gettysburg. We both liked it.

This is probably the best and most informative book on the battle available. Well researched. Well written. The sidebars on various sub subjects are also worth reading.

A must have for anyone interested in the civil war or just this battle.