Firestorm at Gettysburg: Civilian Voices

by Jim Slade, John Alexander

Slade and Alexander, both journalists, uncovered a stash of papers in the archives at Gettysburg in 1977, and have used them to produce a compelling collection of personal stories from one of the most famous battles ever fought on American soil. Lavishly illustrated with period photographs and drawi

Genres: Civil War, History, Nonfiction, American Civil War, Military Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Sarah Bierle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite book about Gettysburg civilians. Lots of primary sources and copies of original photographs!

[Shelly♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a day by day account of the Battle of Gettysburg using diaries of local citizens and obscure soldiers. These first person accounts are split to match up with the progression of the action that day, allowing the reader a ground level, intimate account of the days activities. The authors also weave in descriptions of what was going on during the battle to provide a full spectrum of the day. Anyone at all familiar with the battle will deeply appreciate this special account of those three days in July. The book is also loaded with fantastic photos of people and places relevant to the course of action.

Recommend for: Civil War fanatics and those who enjoy the perspective of the ordinary persons during events of epic proportions.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps the best book on the Civil War I have read. In fiction, characters make the story. In nonfiction, people do. This book is about people, the individuals who lived in Gettysburg during the battle. This is one great book.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was able to read most of it before I had to take it back to the library. This books shares an incredibly detailed account of before, during and after the battle. Have not read anything quite like it before. A must read for anyone with any interest in the civil war.

[Dave Glorioso · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has factual and editing errors. Yet, there is alot of good information on civilians at Gettysburg.
It is written chronologically, mostly using the participants own words.
As always, needs more maps.

[Emily]

My Dad saw this at Gettysburg, ordered it when we got back, and buzzed right through it. I'm told I'll be allowed to read it while I'm home as SFPL doesn't have a copy!