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Gettysburg #4
The Battle of the Crater
With The Battle of the Crater, New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen take readers to the center of a nearly forgotten Civil War confrontation, a battle that was filled with controversy and misinterpretation even before the attack began. Drawing on years of research, the authors weave a complex narrative interweaving the high aspirations of African American troops eager to prove themselves in battle and the anxiety of a President who knows the nation cannot bear another major defeat.
June 1864: the Civil War is now into its fourth year of bloody conflict with no end in sight. The armies of the North are stalled in fetid trenches outside of Richmond and Atlanta, and the reelection of Abraham Lincoln to a second term seems doomed to defeat—a defeat that will set off the call for an end to the conflict, dismembering the Union and continuing slavery.
Only one group of volunteers for the Union cause is still eager for battle. Nearly two hundred thousand men of color have swarmed the recruiting stations and are being mobilized into regiments known as the USCTs, the United States Colored Troops. General Ambrose Burnside, a hard luck commander out of favor with his superiors, is one of the few generals eager to bring a division of these new troops into his ranks. He has an ingenious plan to break Fort Pegram, the closest point on the Confederate line, defending Petersburg—the last defense of Richmond—by tunneling forward from the Union position beneath the fort to explode its defenses. Burnside needs the USCTs for one desperate rush that just might bring victory.
The risks are high. Will Burnside be allowed to proceed or will interference from on high doom his plan to failure? The battleground drama unfolds through the eyes of James Reilly—famed artist, correspondent, and friend of Lincoln, who has been employed by the president to be his eyes and ears amongst the men, sending back an honest account of the front. In so doing, he befriends Sergeant Major Garland White of the 28th USCT regiment, an escaped slave and minister preparing his comrades for a frontal assault that will either win the war, or result in their annihilation.
The Battle of the Crater is Gingrich and Forstchen's most compelling fact-based work yet, presenting little known truths, long forgotten in the files of correspondence, and the actual court of inquiry held after the attack. The novel draws a new and controversial conclusion while providing a sharp, rousing and harshly realistic view of politics and combat during the darkest year of the Civil War. This must-read work rewrites our understanding of one of the great battles of the war, and the all but forgotten role played by one of the largest formations of African American troops in our nation's history.
Later published as To Make Men Free.
June 1864: the Civil War is now into its fourth year of bloody conflict with no end in sight. The armies of the North are stalled in fetid trenches outside of Richmond and Atlanta, and the reelection of Abraham Lincoln to a second term seems doomed to defeat—a defeat that will set off the call for an end to the conflict, dismembering the Union and continuing slavery.
Only one group of volunteers for the Union cause is still eager for battle. Nearly two hundred thousand men of color have swarmed the recruiting stations and are being mobilized into regiments known as the USCTs, the United States Colored Troops. General Ambrose Burnside, a hard luck commander out of favor with his superiors, is one of the few generals eager to bring a division of these new troops into his ranks. He has an ingenious plan to break Fort Pegram, the closest point on the Confederate line, defending Petersburg—the last defense of Richmond—by tunneling forward from the Union position beneath the fort to explode its defenses. Burnside needs the USCTs for one desperate rush that just might bring victory.
The risks are high. Will Burnside be allowed to proceed or will interference from on high doom his plan to failure? The battleground drama unfolds through the eyes of James Reilly—famed artist, correspondent, and friend of Lincoln, who has been employed by the president to be his eyes and ears amongst the men, sending back an honest account of the front. In so doing, he befriends Sergeant Major Garland White of the 28th USCT regiment, an escaped slave and minister preparing his comrades for a frontal assault that will either win the war, or result in their annihilation.
The Battle of the Crater is Gingrich and Forstchen's most compelling fact-based work yet, presenting little known truths, long forgotten in the files of correspondence, and the actual court of inquiry held after the attack. The novel draws a new and controversial conclusion while providing a sharp, rousing and harshly realistic view of politics and combat during the darkest year of the Civil War. This must-read work rewrites our understanding of one of the great battles of the war, and the all but forgotten role played by one of the largest formations of African American troops in our nation's history.
Later published as To Make Men Free.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2011
33 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Newt Gingrich
114 books545 followersNewt Gingrich is well-known as the architect of the “Contract with America” that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in forty years. After he was elected Speaker, he disrupted the status quo by moving power out of Washington and back to the American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed welfare reform, the first balanced budget in a generation, and the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 20, 2013
Ok, ok, I know what you're thinking....
You can't possibly keep liking his books. People will stop thinking you're cool!.
Here's the thing: you don't get to be cool (like me) by reading what people think you should read. You get to be cool (like me) by reading whatever the hell you want, telling it like it is, and letting the chips fall where they may.
...I have to say, N E W T knows how to put out a good civil war historical novel. This one, in particular, would make for a good high school history assignment. Additionally, and perhaps even more so, it provides an excellent object lesson in leadership (good and bad).
Leadership finds its extrema in warfare: it's one thing to have to choose which of your employees has to work on the weekend. It's a whole nuther matter to have to send 10,000 people on a suicide mission that you know to be futile (but the boss wants you to charge the hill by 10am sharp, etc, etc, etc...do more with less, blah blah blah).
The Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia, July 30, 1864, provides a remarkable lesson of great ideas gone awry, good leaders making bad decisions, bad leaders making things worse, obscure people rising to the occasion, and good old fashioned politics.
Highly recommended....
You can't possibly keep liking his books. People will stop thinking you're cool!.
Here's the thing: you don't get to be cool (like me) by reading what people think you should read. You get to be cool (like me) by reading whatever the hell you want, telling it like it is, and letting the chips fall where they may.
...I have to say, N E W T knows how to put out a good civil war historical novel. This one, in particular, would make for a good high school history assignment. Additionally, and perhaps even more so, it provides an excellent object lesson in leadership (good and bad).
Leadership finds its extrema in warfare: it's one thing to have to choose which of your employees has to work on the weekend. It's a whole nuther matter to have to send 10,000 people on a suicide mission that you know to be futile (but the boss wants you to charge the hill by 10am sharp, etc, etc, etc...do more with less, blah blah blah).
The Battle of the Crater, Petersburg, Virginia, July 30, 1864, provides a remarkable lesson of great ideas gone awry, good leaders making bad decisions, bad leaders making things worse, obscure people rising to the occasion, and good old fashioned politics.
Highly recommended....
June 13, 2012
No matter what you think of Mr. Gingrich's politics, he does write a good historical novel. I thought this was a very impressive retelling of the story of the Battle of the Crater. The authors stay close to the known facts and imbue the story with a realistic protrayal of the USCTs originally assigned to make the assault. One quible I have with them is the motives they assign to Meade for changing out the USCT for white regiments at the last minute.
I think that their portrayal of the last assult at Cold Harbor that opens the book is heartrending. They rehibilate Burnsides reputation to a certian extent, while not glossing over his failures as a combat leader.
All in all a very worthwhile read.
I think that their portrayal of the last assult at Cold Harbor that opens the book is heartrending. They rehibilate Burnsides reputation to a certian extent, while not glossing over his failures as a combat leader.
All in all a very worthwhile read.
April 21, 2015
I liked the book because I like historical fiction. It is pretty graphic in describing the battle scene at "the Crater" which is heart wrenching. Any war is ...
President Lincoln had the bad luck of having generals with very big egos-it was a wonder that the North won the war.
The book was written in the voice of James who was illustrator and a spy for Abe Lincoln.
The book also gave some insight and history into the USCT, the United States Colored Troops-"who were nearly two hundred regiments strong by the end of the war in the Spring of 1865." The only time I had heard of the USCT was from the movie "Glory".
The book seem fairly accurate; Civilwar.org:
After weeks of preparation, on July 30 the Federals exploded a mine in Burnside’s IX Corps sector beneath Pegram’s Salient, blowing a gap in the Confederate defenses of Petersburg. From this propitious beginning, everything deteriorated rapidly for the Union attackers. Unit after unit charged into and around the crater, where soldiers milled in confusion. The Confederates quickly recovered and launched several counterattacks led by Maj. Gen. William Mahone. The break was sealed off, and the Federals were repulsed with severe casualties. Ferrarro’s division of black soldiers was badly mauled. This may have been Grant’s best chance to end the Siege of Petersburg. Instead, the soldiers settled in for another eight months of trench warfare. Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside was relieved of command for his role in the debacle.
Synopsis from eBay:
Detailed item info
Synopsis
An explosive, exhaustively researched new historical novel from NYT bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen that sheds light on the tragic errors and unexpected heroism of one epic Civil War battleground.
June 1864: the Civil War is in its fourth year of bloody conflict with no end in sight. The armies of the North are stalled in fetid trenches, and the reelection of Abraham Lincoln to a second term seems doomed to defeat - a defeat that will set off the call for an end to the conflict, dismembering the Union and continuing slavery. Only one group of volunteers for the Union cause is still eager for battle. Nearly two hundred thousand men of color have swarmed the recruiting stations andare being mobilized into regiments known as the USCTs, the United States Colored Troops. General Ambrose Burnside, a hard-luck commander, is one of the few generals eager to bring a USCT division into his ranks. He has an ingenious plan to break Fort Pegram, the closest point on the Confederate line defending Petersburg - the last defense of Richmond - by tunneling forward from the Union position to explode the fort's defenses. Burnside needs the USCTs for one desperate rush that just might bring victory.The risks are high. Will Burnside be allowed to proceed or will interference from on high doom his plan to failure? The battleground drama unfolds through the eyes of James Reilly - a friend of Lincoln who has been employed by the president to send back an honest account of the front. In so doing, he befriends an escaped slave and minister of the 28th USCT regiment preparing his comrades for a frontal assault that will either win the war, or result in their annihilation. The Battle of the Crater is Gingrich and Forstchen's most compelling fact-based work yet, presenting long-forgotten truths and the actual court of inquiry held after the attack. Drawing on years of research, the authors provide a new and controversial conclusion while painting a sharp, rousing and harshly realistic view of politics and combat during the darkest year of the Civil War. This must-read work rewrites our understanding of one of the great battles of the war, and the all but forgotten role played byone of the largest formations of African American troops in our nation's history.
New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen take readers to the center of a nearly forgotten confrontation, shedding light on the tragic errors and unexpected heroism of one epic Civil War battleground With To Make Men Free (originally published as The Battle of the Crater ), New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen take readers to the center of a nearly forgotten Civil War confrontation, a battle that was filled with controversy and misinterpretation even before the attack began. June 1864: the Civil War is now into its fourth year of bloody conflict with no end in sight. James O'Reilly-famed artist, correspondent, and former companion of Lincoln-is summoned discreetly to a meeting with thePresident. His old friend gives him a difficult assignment: travel to the trenches outside of Richmond to be Lincoln's eyes and ears amongst the men, sending back an honest account of the front. Meanwhile, General Ambrose Burnside, a hard luck commander out of favor with his superiors, has an ingenious plan to break through the closest point on the Confederate line by tunneling forward from the Union position beneath the fort to explode its defenses. The risks are high, and Burnside needs a brave division of the United States Colored Troops for one desperate rush that just might bring victory. As the battleground drama unfolds, this must-read work rewrites our understanding of one of the great battles of the war, providing a sharp, rousing and harshly realistic view of politics and combat during the darkest year of the Civil War. Praise for the works of Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen "Masterful storytelling." - William E. Butterworth IV, New York Times bestselling author of The Saboteurs "Compelling narrative force and meticulous detail." - The Atlanta Journal Constitution
With To Make Men Free (originally published as The Battle of the Crater ), New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen take readers to the center of a nearly forgotten Civil War confrontation, a battle that was filled with controversy and misinterpretation even before the attack began. June 1864: the Civil War is now into its fourth year of bloody conflict with no end in sight. James O'Reillyfamed artist, correspondent, and former companion of Lincolnis summoned discreetly to a meeting with the President. His old friend gives him a difficult assignment: travel to the trenches outside of Richmond to be Lincoln's eyes and ears amongst the men, sending back an honest account of the front. Meanwhile, General Ambrose Burnside, a hard luck commander out of favor with his superiors, has an ingenious plan to break through the closest point on the Confederate line by tunneling forward from the Union position beneath the fort to explode its defenses. The risks are high, and Burnside needs a brave division of the United States Colored Troops for one desperate rush that just might bring victory. As the battleground drama unfolds, this must-read work rewrites our understanding of one of the great battles of the war, providing a sharp, rousing and harshly realistic view of politics and combat during the darkest year of the Civil War. Praise for the works of Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen "Masterful storytelling." --William E. Butterworth IV, New York Times bestselling author of The Saboteurs "Compelling narrative force and meticulous detail." -- The Atlanta Journal Constitution
President Lincoln had the bad luck of having generals with very big egos-it was a wonder that the North won the war.
The book was written in the voice of James who was illustrator and a spy for Abe Lincoln.
The book also gave some insight and history into the USCT, the United States Colored Troops-"who were nearly two hundred regiments strong by the end of the war in the Spring of 1865." The only time I had heard of the USCT was from the movie "Glory".
The book seem fairly accurate; Civilwar.org:
After weeks of preparation, on July 30 the Federals exploded a mine in Burnside’s IX Corps sector beneath Pegram’s Salient, blowing a gap in the Confederate defenses of Petersburg. From this propitious beginning, everything deteriorated rapidly for the Union attackers. Unit after unit charged into and around the crater, where soldiers milled in confusion. The Confederates quickly recovered and launched several counterattacks led by Maj. Gen. William Mahone. The break was sealed off, and the Federals were repulsed with severe casualties. Ferrarro’s division of black soldiers was badly mauled. This may have been Grant’s best chance to end the Siege of Petersburg. Instead, the soldiers settled in for another eight months of trench warfare. Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside was relieved of command for his role in the debacle.
Synopsis from eBay:
Detailed item info
Synopsis
An explosive, exhaustively researched new historical novel from NYT bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen that sheds light on the tragic errors and unexpected heroism of one epic Civil War battleground.
June 1864: the Civil War is in its fourth year of bloody conflict with no end in sight. The armies of the North are stalled in fetid trenches, and the reelection of Abraham Lincoln to a second term seems doomed to defeat - a defeat that will set off the call for an end to the conflict, dismembering the Union and continuing slavery. Only one group of volunteers for the Union cause is still eager for battle. Nearly two hundred thousand men of color have swarmed the recruiting stations andare being mobilized into regiments known as the USCTs, the United States Colored Troops. General Ambrose Burnside, a hard-luck commander, is one of the few generals eager to bring a USCT division into his ranks. He has an ingenious plan to break Fort Pegram, the closest point on the Confederate line defending Petersburg - the last defense of Richmond - by tunneling forward from the Union position to explode the fort's defenses. Burnside needs the USCTs for one desperate rush that just might bring victory.The risks are high. Will Burnside be allowed to proceed or will interference from on high doom his plan to failure? The battleground drama unfolds through the eyes of James Reilly - a friend of Lincoln who has been employed by the president to send back an honest account of the front. In so doing, he befriends an escaped slave and minister of the 28th USCT regiment preparing his comrades for a frontal assault that will either win the war, or result in their annihilation. The Battle of the Crater is Gingrich and Forstchen's most compelling fact-based work yet, presenting long-forgotten truths and the actual court of inquiry held after the attack. Drawing on years of research, the authors provide a new and controversial conclusion while painting a sharp, rousing and harshly realistic view of politics and combat during the darkest year of the Civil War. This must-read work rewrites our understanding of one of the great battles of the war, and the all but forgotten role played byone of the largest formations of African American troops in our nation's history.
New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen take readers to the center of a nearly forgotten confrontation, shedding light on the tragic errors and unexpected heroism of one epic Civil War battleground With To Make Men Free (originally published as The Battle of the Crater ), New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen take readers to the center of a nearly forgotten Civil War confrontation, a battle that was filled with controversy and misinterpretation even before the attack began. June 1864: the Civil War is now into its fourth year of bloody conflict with no end in sight. James O'Reilly-famed artist, correspondent, and former companion of Lincoln-is summoned discreetly to a meeting with thePresident. His old friend gives him a difficult assignment: travel to the trenches outside of Richmond to be Lincoln's eyes and ears amongst the men, sending back an honest account of the front. Meanwhile, General Ambrose Burnside, a hard luck commander out of favor with his superiors, has an ingenious plan to break through the closest point on the Confederate line by tunneling forward from the Union position beneath the fort to explode its defenses. The risks are high, and Burnside needs a brave division of the United States Colored Troops for one desperate rush that just might bring victory. As the battleground drama unfolds, this must-read work rewrites our understanding of one of the great battles of the war, providing a sharp, rousing and harshly realistic view of politics and combat during the darkest year of the Civil War. Praise for the works of Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen "Masterful storytelling." - William E. Butterworth IV, New York Times bestselling author of The Saboteurs "Compelling narrative force and meticulous detail." - The Atlanta Journal Constitution
With To Make Men Free (originally published as The Battle of the Crater ), New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen take readers to the center of a nearly forgotten Civil War confrontation, a battle that was filled with controversy and misinterpretation even before the attack began. June 1864: the Civil War is now into its fourth year of bloody conflict with no end in sight. James O'Reillyfamed artist, correspondent, and former companion of Lincolnis summoned discreetly to a meeting with the President. His old friend gives him a difficult assignment: travel to the trenches outside of Richmond to be Lincoln's eyes and ears amongst the men, sending back an honest account of the front. Meanwhile, General Ambrose Burnside, a hard luck commander out of favor with his superiors, has an ingenious plan to break through the closest point on the Confederate line by tunneling forward from the Union position beneath the fort to explode its defenses. The risks are high, and Burnside needs a brave division of the United States Colored Troops for one desperate rush that just might bring victory. As the battleground drama unfolds, this must-read work rewrites our understanding of one of the great battles of the war, providing a sharp, rousing and harshly realistic view of politics and combat during the darkest year of the Civil War. Praise for the works of Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen "Masterful storytelling." --William E. Butterworth IV, New York Times bestselling author of The Saboteurs "Compelling narrative force and meticulous detail." -- The Atlanta Journal Constitution
April 22, 2012
A very good book. Very readable based on historical fact and real people. The authors lend their personal conversations to carry the story which must be as there were no records kept of the personal events of that time. The battle of the crater is one of the many battles fought during the American Civil War, this one is during the siege of Petersburg by Richmond, Virginia. The area of Petersburg is the railroad hub on the South and the North wants it to disrupt the flow of supplies to the South. Both sides were solidly entrenched with the lines being a mere 150 yards apart causing this to be a very bloody part of a difficult conflict. Our main character, narrator, is a war correspondent and artist who is drawing the battles as seen by both sides and these are being published by the newspapers giving the public a view of the hostilities they would not otherwise see. The reporter has a long friendship with then President Abraham Lincoln and agrees to frequently report to the president and tell him what he sees so the President gets a truthful image of the conflict. For the reader who is interested in history and the personal thoughts of those engaged in such a civil conflict this is a must read. During this battle we have the first major involvement of a Union brigade which consists of black Americans which are strongly motivated on the feelings they have a particular involvement in this war. It is heart wrenching to read as these soldiers are driven to make the ultimate sacrifices and do so gladly. This story is historical fact mixed with fiction. Read it, it is good to help us understand political involvement and self promotion in this theater of life.
May 7, 2012
An interesting historical novel of a lesser known battle of the Civil War in which the United States Colored Troops were to have a lead role in a battle that was planned to lead up to the end the War in the taking of Petersburg and then Richmond. The authors build up to this battle, developing the historic characters and then as the battle unfolds we learn their true natures. Envy, pettiness, military rivalries and ineptness all play out in a battle of devastating proportions. Though it is a novel, as is typical for these authors, it actually depicts real events and some real people.
January 31, 2012
This story of James and Reverend/Sargent White is superbly written and truly draws you into the gruesome battles, political corruption and electoral decision making at the cost of men's lives. You love and hate the characters, feeling their loss, their personal greed, and true concern for their brothers in arms. I was quite impressed with the story and plan to look into the Colored Civil War Troops more historically on my own. I highly recommend it.
May 24, 2013
If I had read this book a month ago, I would have considered a pretty good book. But I read it immediately after "Hell or Richmond" by Ralph Peters, a book I consider decidedly superior. That's not to say this book isn't good; Forstchen remains among my favorite writers. But Peters' incredible detail and research is missing from this work. I also often wonder what role Newt Gingrich played in writing this book other than lending his name.
Not sure.
Not sure.
October 3, 2024
Who doesn't love settling in with 2011's sexiest Civil War page-turner, The Battle of the Crater, co-authored by American darling Newt Gingrich? Maybe this book won't win you followers on BookTok, but it's an overall decent read if you're the type of person who has a favorite Civil War battle. And who doesn't, right?
The Battle of the Crater has all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster. In the summer of 1864, Union and Confederate forces were locked into a stalemate outside of Richmond, Virginia. Union troops crafted a plan to tunnel underneath enemy lines and ignite explosives beneath their fort. United States Colored Troops were trained to lead the attack following the detonation. At the last moment, General Meade switched the leading troops to disastrous results. It's an incredible tale of bravery, ingenuity and brutality.
This book captured the overall story of the Crater, but suffered a lack of character development. The main character, James Reilly, is a Harper's Weekly illustrator with the ear of Lincoln. He is dull as Wonder bread. More interesting is Major Garland White, chaplain in the USCT and based on the real-life man of the same name. White escaped slavery, recruited numerous men to the cause of freedom, and fought valiantly in the war. The real Garland White, as is the fictional one, is a really impressive man. I definitely would have enjoyed learning much more about him in this book, as well as to have had the James character far more fleshed out.
In addition to the characters lacking detail, I also would have enjoyed more detail about the world in general at that time. The lack of detail made it hard for me to become invested in the characters and the world. It felt like I was just reading a Wikipedia article sometimes.
Overall, a worthwhile read due to how interesting the actual battle was. I just wish it was less textbook and more immersive.
The Battle of the Crater has all the makings of a Hollywood blockbuster. In the summer of 1864, Union and Confederate forces were locked into a stalemate outside of Richmond, Virginia. Union troops crafted a plan to tunnel underneath enemy lines and ignite explosives beneath their fort. United States Colored Troops were trained to lead the attack following the detonation. At the last moment, General Meade switched the leading troops to disastrous results. It's an incredible tale of bravery, ingenuity and brutality.
This book captured the overall story of the Crater, but suffered a lack of character development. The main character, James Reilly, is a Harper's Weekly illustrator with the ear of Lincoln. He is dull as Wonder bread. More interesting is Major Garland White, chaplain in the USCT and based on the real-life man of the same name. White escaped slavery, recruited numerous men to the cause of freedom, and fought valiantly in the war. The real Garland White, as is the fictional one, is a really impressive man. I definitely would have enjoyed learning much more about him in this book, as well as to have had the James character far more fleshed out.
In addition to the characters lacking detail, I also would have enjoyed more detail about the world in general at that time. The lack of detail made it hard for me to become invested in the characters and the world. It felt like I was just reading a Wikipedia article sometimes.
Overall, a worthwhile read due to how interesting the actual battle was. I just wish it was less textbook and more immersive.
October 10, 2017
Another great read, recommended by good reads profiled suggestions. The tragic story of a good military plan ruined by command incompetence and petty jealousies. The price was the needless death of thousands of soldiers and the continuation of the Civil War slaughter and more. The command of General Meade and Burnside was a match made in hell. The aftermath of the Battle of the Crater and subsequent inquest looked for a scapegoat and found it the unjustly accused 28th USCT (colored Troops). I must say that while reading this account of the battle I was sickened by the actions of the highest military commanders. The tip of the iceberg as far as military blunders and cover ups throughout our history. So sad and real.
September 15, 2022
One of the saddest books I've read in a long time. Although, I knew the general outline of what had happened at the Battle of the Crater, I didn't have any insight as to the role played by the black soldiers. The focus on the 28th USCT from Indiana helped tell the story faithfully to the existing historical records. The men of the Ninth Corps were badly used in the attack and poorly led. There is plenty of blame to go around starting with Grant, Meade, Burnside and Ledlie. All could have done so much better if they weren't so war weary and concerned about appearances. Fiction gives the writers more latitude to fill in the blanks and bring characters to life. Gingrich and Forstchen are masters of the art.
December 8, 2017
we are free and equal men, sketch review with spies on spies, to hear the truth and see it, colored regiments with select officers, Coal Harbor charge wiped out, 15 hours before Meade changes to insert seasoned yet no action after blast for nearly 3 hours as reinforcements end with 10k in crater area, colored were prepared to charge with axes and foot bridge yet more experienced unit did not have either, the sketcher in the right place at right time to report to Lincoln, lack of supplies to explode line fully, Meade telegraph delayed action, the 4th were brave USCT Colored Troops 1863/64 28th from Indiana Garland White 179k troops the last full measure of devotion.
December 18, 2024
If you’re a person who is interested in the Civil War, but not obsessed enough to read and understand the highly technical explanations and accounts of battles. This is a great book for you. While it goes into detail about the battle, it doesn’t go into excruciating detail that can distract from painting the picture of the soldiers life. The author paints a vivid picture of soldiers experiences in the camp and in the battle. I cannot test to the accuracy of the information, but it is presented very well and and is an enjoyable read.
May 16, 2023
Entertaining and engaging. Not sure how much Newt Gingrich actually wrote and how much his co-author wrote. While not a historical resource it brings the reader in touch with many of the people of the time. This focuses on the events surrounding the Union 9th Corps under General Burnside. Also makes the case that while Burnside did have his issues, he was set up to be blamed for this one.
August 14, 2017
I love history and I have studied the Civil War for years, I've even been to the Crater at Petersburg. I wish I could have read this book before I went. I would have been able to picture the battle and understand what happened. Fantastic book!
February 23, 2018
Great historical fiction. It felt as if you were in the heat of the battle. And you felt the anger of the troop in the battle as they wee betrayed by a egotistical general. The description of the battle were realistic and the feeling of the characters leapt off the page. It is a must read!
August 30, 2018
This book was so eye opening to me as I had never discussed or learned anything about the colored troops fighting in the civil war. It also was told from a perspective that I had never read from before, and was very effective in making me feel sympathy for all the characters involved.
February 14, 2021
This book really show the horror of war in a way that is very realistic. And it shows how politics mess things up even back then. A really well written story with very interesting characters. Pacing of this book kept me on the edge of my seat with anticipation of what will happen next.
July 28, 2021
An amazing historical account of a little known battle during the Civil War. I am grateful that the authors didn’t linger on the blood and gore but told a factual account of the Battle of the Crater. A very interesting story.
July 12, 2024
An interesting story with some compelling characters. Other characters’ personalities do not ring true. Nevertheless the description of the preparation and battle are informative of read with some skepticism. Some of the story is untrue.
November 25, 2024
This is a novelization of the actual Battle of the Crater - something that I had never heard of before. A number of the characters are actual participants and some have been adapted. It was interesting because the Union did almost everything possible to lose the battle. It was an okay read.
March 21, 2017
Just couldn't get interested.
November 23, 2017
This book actually turned out better than I thought it would... it was excellent! I would recommend it to any Civil War enthusiast!
March 2, 2018
This was real sad on how the battles are won and lost.
November 6, 2018
Great and moving story of the participation of the USCT regiment in the battle for Petersburg. Identifies the contribution of African-American troops in the battle.
February 5, 2019
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
March 3, 2019
A fascinating read of a battle I never knew about.
October 27, 2019
Excellent historical novel of The Battle of the Crater. A little known story that should be brought to light.
April 22, 2020
Excellent historical novel with an accurate account of the battle of the Crater at Petersburg, Virginia in the Civil War.
May 28, 2023
Had interesting history, but a slow read.
July 13, 2025
Those who fail to learn history are destined to repeat it.
Past time for people to learn.
Past time for people to learn.
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