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Gettysburg: The Graphic History of America's Most Famous Battle and the Turning Point of The Civil War
The Battle of Gettysburg is a landmark event in United States history. Widely recognized as the Civil War’s turning point, it accounted for the most casualties of any battle during the war and spelled the beginning of the end for the Confederacy. In this powerful graphic history, Wayne Vansant describes the history leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg, as well all of the major military events on July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, including the famous fight for Little Round Top on the second day and the death march known as Pickett’s Charge on the third and final day. He paints portraits of each army’s leaders, such as Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, George Meade, and the then little-known Joshua Chamberlain. Vansant concludes a few months later at the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery in November, 1863, when Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the most iconic speeches of all time, the Gettysburg Address. Gettysburg delivers one of the hallmark events of American history in an exciting and innovative format.
"Wayne Vansant has authored a graphic account of the Battle of Gettysburg with rich illustrations and narrative that makes history come alive. This book will not only spark an interest in the terrible battle and sad aftermath, but will provide the reader with a good understanding of the men and armies memorialized at Gettysburg National Military Park today." - John Heiser, Historian, Gettysburg, PA
"Wayne Vansant has authored a graphic account of the Battle of Gettysburg with rich illustrations and narrative that makes history come alive. This book will not only spark an interest in the terrible battle and sad aftermath, but will provide the reader with a good understanding of the men and armies memorialized at Gettysburg National Military Park today." - John Heiser, Historian, Gettysburg, PA
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
9 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Vansant
110 books39 followers I was born and raised near Atlanta, GA, and served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. I graduated from the Atlanta College of Art in 1975 and have had many jobs, including being a salesman, security guard, milk delivery man, and the Director of Security for a large art museum.
I began my writing and illustration career in 1986 with Marvel Comics' "Savage Tales" and "The 'Nam." Since then I have written and/or illustrated many books and comics on historical/military subjects such as Battle Group Peiper, Days of Darkness, Antietam: The Fiery Trial (commissioned by the National Park Service), Blockade: The Civil War at Sea, The War in Korea, The Hammer and the Anvil (profiling Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass), Normandy (profiling D-Day and the entire Normandy Campaign), Gettysburg (profiling the Battle of Gettysburg), and many others.
I am currently working on graphic histories of the Battle of the Bulge, Manfred von Richthofen, aka the Red Baron, and and am finishing up my Russian Front trilogy entitled Katusha: Girl Soldier of the Patriotic War, which is currently available as an eBook on Comics Plus, a leading comics book app.
I began my writing and illustration career in 1986 with Marvel Comics' "Savage Tales" and "The 'Nam." Since then I have written and/or illustrated many books and comics on historical/military subjects such as Battle Group Peiper, Days of Darkness, Antietam: The Fiery Trial (commissioned by the National Park Service), Blockade: The Civil War at Sea, The War in Korea, The Hammer and the Anvil (profiling Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass), Normandy (profiling D-Day and the entire Normandy Campaign), Gettysburg (profiling the Battle of Gettysburg), and many others.
I am currently working on graphic histories of the Battle of the Bulge, Manfred von Richthofen, aka the Red Baron, and and am finishing up my Russian Front trilogy entitled Katusha: Girl Soldier of the Patriotic War, which is currently available as an eBook on Comics Plus, a leading comics book app.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 1, 2013
The Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point in the Civil War, took place 150 years ago today. Gettysburg: The Graphic History by Wayne Vansant (Zenith Press, 2013, $20) is a graphic history of the story of the battle. Robert E. Lee of the Confederate Army had led his troops north to Pennsylvania, hoping to both shock the North and reprovision his armies with food and clothing captured from Union states. The Union, or Federal troops, under the newly appointed Major General George Meade, intercepted them near the small town of Gettysburg in southern Pennsylvania. Although Lee did not want to fight a pitched engagement, his cavalry scouts under JEB Stuart had wandered south towards Washington and didn't warn him away from the Union (or Federal) troops. Once some of his troops were committed, Lee decided to fight, hoping to punch a whole in the Union line of defenders. For three days, the two sides fought with thousands of men until the Union broke a last chance charge by General George Pickett. On July 4th, the Confederates retreated, and Meade didn't follow them in spite of President Lincoln's urgings.
The story is so big and complex that it doesn't fit well into 96 pages. Vansant does a competent job of explaining the preparations before the battle, the three days of the battle and the aftermath, including the full text of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address which dedicated the Union cemetery. He's obviously used reference photographs, and his artwork makes the famous people recognizable, if a bit stiff. He approaches the story chronologically, and one can get an idea of how the battle unfolded, but the book remains rather dry. Given his young adult audience, Vansant draws a minimum of bloodshed. When he writes, "Down below, General Hood's left arm was shattered by a shell burst," he draws Hood and his horse blinded and pushed to one side by the explosion and only colors them with a golden wash. I do not think most readers would actually want any more graphic detail than that, but Vansant's decision does sap some of the essence out of the story. His need to jump from one small segment of the battle to the next, unavoidable as it may be, has the same effect.
The story appears to be factually correct, although some items such as drawing Confederate General Lewis Armistead advancing with his hat speared on his sword aren't explained. Perhaps he thought sharpshooters would aim for his hat? A final round of proof-reading would have avoided mistakes such as "Choked with emotion because he did not want to make this attack, Longstreet nearly nodded." (p. 81) Presumably 'merely' is meant, not 'nearly' since a near nod is not much of a military command.
In conclusion, this book is most likely to appeal to a boy who already has an interest in the Civil War or military history, and is a perfectly reasonable starting place for someone looking at the vast amount of Gettysburg literature.
The story is so big and complex that it doesn't fit well into 96 pages. Vansant does a competent job of explaining the preparations before the battle, the three days of the battle and the aftermath, including the full text of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address which dedicated the Union cemetery. He's obviously used reference photographs, and his artwork makes the famous people recognizable, if a bit stiff. He approaches the story chronologically, and one can get an idea of how the battle unfolded, but the book remains rather dry. Given his young adult audience, Vansant draws a minimum of bloodshed. When he writes, "Down below, General Hood's left arm was shattered by a shell burst," he draws Hood and his horse blinded and pushed to one side by the explosion and only colors them with a golden wash. I do not think most readers would actually want any more graphic detail than that, but Vansant's decision does sap some of the essence out of the story. His need to jump from one small segment of the battle to the next, unavoidable as it may be, has the same effect.
The story appears to be factually correct, although some items such as drawing Confederate General Lewis Armistead advancing with his hat speared on his sword aren't explained. Perhaps he thought sharpshooters would aim for his hat? A final round of proof-reading would have avoided mistakes such as "Choked with emotion because he did not want to make this attack, Longstreet nearly nodded." (p. 81) Presumably 'merely' is meant, not 'nearly' since a near nod is not much of a military command.
In conclusion, this book is most likely to appeal to a boy who already has an interest in the Civil War or military history, and is a perfectly reasonable starting place for someone looking at the vast amount of Gettysburg literature.
May 15, 2013
Gettysburg: The Graphic History of America's Most Famous Battle and the Turning Point of The Civil War by Wayne Vansant
Historically Accurate
Entertaining
Great for ALL Reading Levels
Beautifully Illustrated
Professionally Bound
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book!
Heartfelt thanks to both the author, Wayne Vansant, and GoodReads First Reads program for presenting me with a complimentary copy of this book.
May 8, 2025
I'm still enjoying these books despite them being a hollow overview at times. Mainly as he adores drawing zoomed in panels and random soldiers getting killed. I'd have loved to see drawings of houses, regiments, streets, locations. This is mainly text with images underneath and a ton of names. With some battles being hard to follow and way too many names.
I don't think this is a simple to follow overview yet it's informative and you do understand key facets. The author is a bit hit and miss. He doesn't write stories he shows what happened in single moments. I think it would be better to write a full book about 1 person. A general and his soldiers during the war. That's it. This is a mix of too many names and since we have few top down views it's harder to follow. A video would be a better medium for such battles by far. And I know there are quite a few other comic books about Gettysburg. Yet I have not read them so I can't compare yet. I may return and adjust the rating.
I don't think this is a simple to follow overview yet it's informative and you do understand key facets. The author is a bit hit and miss. He doesn't write stories he shows what happened in single moments. I think it would be better to write a full book about 1 person. A general and his soldiers during the war. That's it. This is a mix of too many names and since we have few top down views it's harder to follow. A video would be a better medium for such battles by far. And I know there are quite a few other comic books about Gettysburg. Yet I have not read them so I can't compare yet. I may return and adjust the rating.
November 4, 2020
Way too many names thrown all together. I even focused on the Civil War for my major and I simply could not keep track in this book. Also could have used another pass by an editor. Spelling/punctuation errors.
March 24, 2025
Another month, another war-related graphic novel with the 8yo.
A helpful visual guide through the most important battle ever fought in the Western Hemisphere. The costs in terms of lives lost and families altered are staggering.
Perhaps a little too much emphasis on military strategy for me.
A helpful visual guide through the most important battle ever fought in the Western Hemisphere. The costs in terms of lives lost and families altered are staggering.
Perhaps a little too much emphasis on military strategy for me.
September 18, 2017
Fascinating, but difficult to remember all the characters; I had to keep a finger in previous pages to remind me of who was who.
January 11, 2018
I would have rather had a some story, but getting facts about the battle was nice too.
January 18, 2018
REVIEW TO COME
September 2, 2018
Brilliantly told and illustrated, factually accurate. Simply splendid.
October 27, 2021
It was clearly well researched and a lot of thought was put into this book. However, if you are not familiar with military strategies this will be a bit more difficult of a read.
January 7, 2017
I read this book to do a Q&A with the homeschoolers as part of our World History series. Plus, when you work with boys, comic books win the day. Vansant is a hero in this regard because he turns the bits of history into fun for the students.
And, I'm really starting to feel like a broken record here, and not just the preface to my review. I'm not really feeling these books from either a casual reader's view, nor as an educator's view.
For the kids it is a narrative with lots of pictures, an easy read, and fairly interesting. There is one thing: My nephew read this with me, but had a hard time keep track of who was who: Confederate or Union. I'm going to assume this means that a 13 year old might find it hard to distinguish the finer details of this part of history.
I found it not quite what I expected for a comic book, and not in depth enough for a history book. As a super condensed version of the Battle of Gettysburg, it seems to do a pretty good job of laying things out to show you what is going on -- there were lots of strategy maps throughout, which definitely helped my nephew and I understand who was going where.
Yes, I get excited about maps because it helps the reader, especially young ones that don't know the area, see where the action is happening.
From a history standpoint, the data is accurate and understandable, so I'd give it a 3.5. Like most of Vansant's other comic books in this area, it might be enough to pique someone's interest, but there was not a lot of depth to some other parts of the story. What he does well though, besides the map, is show a little bit more of diplomacy and personalities conflict of the leaders.
As I did with the other Vansant books, I took the time to check the info against a military historian, Travis Beiersdorfer. It's fairly accurate, but Beiersdorfer said you'd probably get more from watching the History Channel or renting videos from the library.
And, I'm really starting to feel like a broken record here, and not just the preface to my review. I'm not really feeling these books from either a casual reader's view, nor as an educator's view.
For the kids it is a narrative with lots of pictures, an easy read, and fairly interesting. There is one thing: My nephew read this with me, but had a hard time keep track of who was who: Confederate or Union. I'm going to assume this means that a 13 year old might find it hard to distinguish the finer details of this part of history.
I found it not quite what I expected for a comic book, and not in depth enough for a history book. As a super condensed version of the Battle of Gettysburg, it seems to do a pretty good job of laying things out to show you what is going on -- there were lots of strategy maps throughout, which definitely helped my nephew and I understand who was going where.
Yes, I get excited about maps because it helps the reader, especially young ones that don't know the area, see where the action is happening.
From a history standpoint, the data is accurate and understandable, so I'd give it a 3.5. Like most of Vansant's other comic books in this area, it might be enough to pique someone's interest, but there was not a lot of depth to some other parts of the story. What he does well though, besides the map, is show a little bit more of diplomacy and personalities conflict of the leaders.
As I did with the other Vansant books, I took the time to check the info against a military historian, Travis Beiersdorfer. It's fairly accurate, but Beiersdorfer said you'd probably get more from watching the History Channel or renting videos from the library.
November 19, 2013
Scott Miller
The graphic history of Gettysburg was an interesting graphic novel. It takes place during the Civil War, July 1-3, 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The main characters are Confederate general Robert E. Lee and Union general George Meade. The book begins with General Lee arguing for three days with the Confederate cabinet to approve of his plan of action commonly known as "The Long Chance." "The Long Chance" was a plan for the Confederate army to invade Pennsylvania forcing the Union army to defend Gettysburg. Lee was certain the Confederate forces would defeat the Union forces. General George Meade moved the Union army to Gettysburg to defend it against the rebels. George Mead was wise in his battle strategies and he was able to hold Gettysburg for two days. I will not tell you what happened on the third day.
For the most part the author Wayne Vansant did a good job of illustrating the events leading up to and during The Battle of Gettysburg, although some points could have been clearer as I occasionally had to reread a page. The author did a wonderful job showing the thoughts of each individual character. My favorite part is how the author illuminates the characters’ thought processes. I enjoyed reading this graphic novel, but I prefer creating my own picture of what is going on in my head. I find reading more enjoyable this way.
I think this book gives accurate information about The Battle of Gettysburg and about the Civil War in general. I would give it a seven out of ten. The book was interesting but graphic novels are not my favorite book genre. If you enjoy learning about the Civil War this book is for you. Will Lee's elaborate planning skills and “The Long Chance” be enough to defeat the North, or will this be a turning in point in the war for the Union? Read the book to find out.
The graphic history of Gettysburg was an interesting graphic novel. It takes place during the Civil War, July 1-3, 1863, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The main characters are Confederate general Robert E. Lee and Union general George Meade. The book begins with General Lee arguing for three days with the Confederate cabinet to approve of his plan of action commonly known as "The Long Chance." "The Long Chance" was a plan for the Confederate army to invade Pennsylvania forcing the Union army to defend Gettysburg. Lee was certain the Confederate forces would defeat the Union forces. General George Meade moved the Union army to Gettysburg to defend it against the rebels. George Mead was wise in his battle strategies and he was able to hold Gettysburg for two days. I will not tell you what happened on the third day.
For the most part the author Wayne Vansant did a good job of illustrating the events leading up to and during The Battle of Gettysburg, although some points could have been clearer as I occasionally had to reread a page. The author did a wonderful job showing the thoughts of each individual character. My favorite part is how the author illuminates the characters’ thought processes. I enjoyed reading this graphic novel, but I prefer creating my own picture of what is going on in my head. I find reading more enjoyable this way.
I think this book gives accurate information about The Battle of Gettysburg and about the Civil War in general. I would give it a seven out of ten. The book was interesting but graphic novels are not my favorite book genre. If you enjoy learning about the Civil War this book is for you. Will Lee's elaborate planning skills and “The Long Chance” be enough to defeat the North, or will this be a turning in point in the war for the Union? Read the book to find out.
May 23, 2013
Did I need another book on Gettysburg? No. Well, yes. The battle that marked a turning point in the Civil War has been written on hundreds and hundreds of times over the years. This short book, however, presents the conflict in a different format -- a graphic rendition of the engagements over the fateful three days in July 1863. The book is a brief, but accurate portrayal of the movements and engagements of Federal and Confederate forces. It would be a good first start for anyone wishing to understand the deployments and actions of the combatants. Especially helpful is the clarity of the first day which can be confusing due to the back and forth disjointed clashes of units arriving piece meal on the battle field. The second day with special emphasis on the action at the Round Tops is well told, as are the consequences of Sickles's foolhardy advance into the Wheat Field. The folly of Lee's determination to break the center of the Federal line on the third day is shown in the utter devastation wrecked on the rebel troops. His puzzling decision to throw his troops at the Federal's strongly defensible position and his rejection of Longstreet's advice to move the army between Gettysburg and Washington is appropriately noted.
Criticisms are minor: I wish the deployment maps had labeled the divisions. The map on page 16 misidentifies rebel brigade commander as "David" instead of "Davis". Longstreet is said to "nearly" nod at Pickett's request to advance his line; probably should be "merely", as Longstreet had grave doubts about the wisdom of the attack on the center of the Federal line.
This is a nice rendition of this monumental battle that will be interesting to anyone interested in knowing more about its course.
Criticisms are minor: I wish the deployment maps had labeled the divisions. The map on page 16 misidentifies rebel brigade commander as "David" instead of "Davis". Longstreet is said to "nearly" nod at Pickett's request to advance his line; probably should be "merely", as Longstreet had grave doubts about the wisdom of the attack on the center of the Federal line.
This is a nice rendition of this monumental battle that will be interesting to anyone interested in knowing more about its course.
May 23, 2013
Great graphic introduction to the Battle of Gettysburg, fought over the first three days of July, 1863, and hugely influential towards determining the fate of the Union and Confederacy in the middle of the Civil War.
Vansant has great skill in telling the entire history of the battle from a bird's eye view, but also honing in on some of the more intriguing and unique stories, such as the 1st Maryland and their mongrel dog, or Joshua Chamberlain's role on Round Top, etc.
The book also has a bunch of maps that track military movements over time, as well as a Corps breakdown for both the Union and Confederacy, which appeal to Civil War enthusiasts.
This a great introduction to a pivotal moment in American history and is appropriate for readers of all ages.
Vansant has great skill in telling the entire history of the battle from a bird's eye view, but also honing in on some of the more intriguing and unique stories, such as the 1st Maryland and their mongrel dog, or Joshua Chamberlain's role on Round Top, etc.
The book also has a bunch of maps that track military movements over time, as well as a Corps breakdown for both the Union and Confederacy, which appeal to Civil War enthusiasts.
This a great introduction to a pivotal moment in American history and is appropriate for readers of all ages.
March 26, 2013
Brilliant! In slightly less than 100 pages, this key ACW battle is presented thoroughly in a manner accessible to pretty much all reading abilities. Hopefully Vansant will keep creating these superb histories so that interested students can learn about the history that the edu-crats and their adminins-minions keep pulling out of classes so as to have more and more soul-draining testing.
February 8, 2014
This is getting three stars because I'm not crazy about the format. It deserves a fourth star, but there ya go.
For a graphic novel it is very wordy. It is also accurate and informative while being entertaining. It might be a good way to see if a struggling reader likes history.
For a graphic novel it is very wordy. It is also accurate and informative while being entertaining. It might be a good way to see if a struggling reader likes history.
March 21, 2015
Another great book by Vansant, I am just sad that I have read all the books by him available at my library, I want more. Either Vansant needs to write more or my local libraries need to buy more. Either way this book is a must for history buffs!
August 31, 2016
I bought this book for my son after visiting Gettysburg. He read it, really liked it and insisted I read it too. I did and I think it's great. Highly recommended for young and old readers wishing to get a basic understanding of the events and opposing force at Gettysburg.
June 12, 2013
As a home school parent this was a great way to complement other reading materials. Accurate and well done.
December 27, 2013
Excellent, concise and of equal interest for the reader looking for an introduction or the Civil War buff
October 12, 2014
Very thorough. Illustrations not distinguished, but don't detract. Lots of information.
October 6, 2015
Personally, I'd rather read do a conversation of Matthew Brady's civil war photos or something a bit headier, maybe Killer Angels. Thankfully I don't teach high school US History.
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August 5, 2016good book
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews