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Voices from Gettysburg: Letters, Papers, and Memoirs from the Greatest Battle of the Civil War
The voices of those who witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath with their own eyes – who saw the bloodshed, heard its din, trembled in its crash, struggled with its aftermath – are collected for the first time by Allen C. Guelzo, America’s foremost Civil War scholar, in this moving and sobering oral history.
This treasure trove of original documents – many never-before published – creates a uniquely personal, day-by-day eyewitness account of the monumental collision at Gettysburg, in the words of the commanders, soldiers, politicians, and civilians from both the North and the South who experienced firsthand the changing course of the Civil War.
Three pivotal days in 1963 – July 1st through July 3rd – marked the beginning of the end of the Civil War. While the audible voices of those who experienced it first-hand in that crossroads town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania have been lost to history, their words live on in Voices from Gettysburg.
Gathering a treasure trove of powerful, rare, and haunting original documents, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning historian Allen C. Guelzo presents a uniquely readable and intimate oral history of the Civil War’s turning point. We hear from a Union staff officer, a Confederate amputee, artilleryman, a sympathetic Northern woman, a Union prisoner-of-war, Union colonels and Confederate generals, a drummer boy, a fearful college student, those who orchestrated the Battle of Gettysburg, those who survived it, and those who would perish.
With introductions from Guelzo, a detailed order of battle, and comprehensive list of every unit that fought, each of these original maps, personal letters, excerpts from forgotten memoirs, and more never-before-published documents offers an unprecedented narrative of the Great Rebellion and the impetus for Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address – in the authentic words of fire, blood, and smoke by those who saw the battle, heard its din, trembled in its crash, and struggled with its aftermath.
This treasure trove of original documents – many never-before published – creates a uniquely personal, day-by-day eyewitness account of the monumental collision at Gettysburg, in the words of the commanders, soldiers, politicians, and civilians from both the North and the South who experienced firsthand the changing course of the Civil War.
Three pivotal days in 1963 – July 1st through July 3rd – marked the beginning of the end of the Civil War. While the audible voices of those who experienced it first-hand in that crossroads town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania have been lost to history, their words live on in Voices from Gettysburg.
Gathering a treasure trove of powerful, rare, and haunting original documents, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning historian Allen C. Guelzo presents a uniquely readable and intimate oral history of the Civil War’s turning point. We hear from a Union staff officer, a Confederate amputee, artilleryman, a sympathetic Northern woman, a Union prisoner-of-war, Union colonels and Confederate generals, a drummer boy, a fearful college student, those who orchestrated the Battle of Gettysburg, those who survived it, and those who would perish.
With introductions from Guelzo, a detailed order of battle, and comprehensive list of every unit that fought, each of these original maps, personal letters, excerpts from forgotten memoirs, and more never-before-published documents offers an unprecedented narrative of the Great Rebellion and the impetus for Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address – in the authentic words of fire, blood, and smoke by those who saw the battle, heard its din, trembled in its crash, and struggled with its aftermath.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published May 21, 2024
32 people are currently reading
3916 people want to read
About the author
Allen C. Guelzo
56 books275 followersAllen Carl Guelzo (born 1953) is the Henry R. Luce III Professor of the Civil War Era at Gettysburg College, where he serves as Director of the Civil War Era Studies Program.
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July 23, 2024I decline to rate this book, having read only about 10% of it. Although I enjoy Civil War history, I just cannot seem to get into this book. Perhaps it is too grim for a summer’s day read, but I suspect it has to do with my opinion of the author’s style choices. Whatever. Life is too short to spend much of it on an unsatisfactory tome
June 19, 2024
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and to Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of this important work of non-fiction.
I am a relative novice when it comes to studying the US Civil War. My knowledge of that seminal event in US history is limited to what I studied in primary school, recently watching the excellent 1990 “The Civil War” documentary by Ken Burns, reading the Pulitzer Prize winning historical fiction novel “Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara about the Battle of Gettysburg, and reading some other historical fiction set in the 1860s. Though not an expert on the topic, I was not confused and was able to track the narrative throughout the book.
This book is well organized with chapters providing context for the Battle of Gettysburg, the Union and Confederate armies and generals, how the dueling armies arrived at Gettysburg, each of the three days of battle, and the importance of Gettysburg in the history of the US. Each chapter begins with a general narrative that is customary for non-fiction books and which is helpful for those not familiar with the Battle of Gettysburg followed by excerpts from letters, papers, and memoirs of those involved directly or indirectly in the battle that provide much more specific detail. The explanation of the movement of Union and Confederate troops from a variety of viewpoints is so detailed that this book would be an excellent resource for travelers visiting Gettysburg who want to do a self-guided tour of the battlefield.
I read this book in daily approximately 50-page increments as it takes time to absorb all the information provided about the people, logistics, politics, and geography of and around this important battle. I believe that readers with a basic understanding of the Civil War (like me) and those with much more in-depth knowledge will find “Voices of Gettysburg” informative and worthwhile.
I am a relative novice when it comes to studying the US Civil War. My knowledge of that seminal event in US history is limited to what I studied in primary school, recently watching the excellent 1990 “The Civil War” documentary by Ken Burns, reading the Pulitzer Prize winning historical fiction novel “Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara about the Battle of Gettysburg, and reading some other historical fiction set in the 1860s. Though not an expert on the topic, I was not confused and was able to track the narrative throughout the book.
This book is well organized with chapters providing context for the Battle of Gettysburg, the Union and Confederate armies and generals, how the dueling armies arrived at Gettysburg, each of the three days of battle, and the importance of Gettysburg in the history of the US. Each chapter begins with a general narrative that is customary for non-fiction books and which is helpful for those not familiar with the Battle of Gettysburg followed by excerpts from letters, papers, and memoirs of those involved directly or indirectly in the battle that provide much more specific detail. The explanation of the movement of Union and Confederate troops from a variety of viewpoints is so detailed that this book would be an excellent resource for travelers visiting Gettysburg who want to do a self-guided tour of the battlefield.
I read this book in daily approximately 50-page increments as it takes time to absorb all the information provided about the people, logistics, politics, and geography of and around this important battle. I believe that readers with a basic understanding of the Civil War (like me) and those with much more in-depth knowledge will find “Voices of Gettysburg” informative and worthwhile.
July 2, 2024
Dr. Allen Guelzo is well known in the Civil War community for his research and writing on the Lincoln Administration, as well as leading the Civil War Era Studies program at Gettysburg College. Dr. Guelzo also wrote, Gettysburg: The Last invasion in 2013. It was that work that spawned his most recent work, Voices From Gettysburg: Letters, Papers, and Memoirs from the Greatest Battle of the Civil War.
A believer in looking at the words and written records of those who participated in the Civil War, Voices From Gettysburg is a mass collection of sources. Following his research for Last Invasion, Dr. Guelzo had pulled together hundreds of letters, articles, reports and memorials for that work. This collection of sources has been carefully curated into eleven chapters covering the situation in 1863, the contending armies, the lead up to Gettysburg, the three days and elements of the battle, as well as the retreat and remembrance. Each of these chapters is introduced by Dr. Guelzo, giving the reader his thoughts on that aspect of the campaign and the materials he has brought together for the chapter.
This is the true strength of Voices From Gettysburg, the author has done the work for the reader and brought together these disparate and varied accounts into one volume. Not only does this provide insights from across a wide range of sources, sources that may not always be readily available, but by doing so Dr. Guelzo has also saved the reader or potential researcher a tremendous amount of time. While providing the materials, he has also exposed the sources of these accounts, possibly opening whole new avenues of research for the reader.
For those looking to glean more details about the people who made up the terrible tapestry of the Battle of Gettysburg, this book is for you. The vast majority of this work are the words of the participants themselves, not an interpretation of their words. By letting the participants speak for themselves, and in a few of the entries speak about themselves, Dr. Guelzo gives us the ability to see a fuller picture of humanity during the Civil War. Be it good or bad, true or embellished, the author has provided us the very tools he has used on pervious works to better understand the battle and this era.
A believer in looking at the words and written records of those who participated in the Civil War, Voices From Gettysburg is a mass collection of sources. Following his research for Last Invasion, Dr. Guelzo had pulled together hundreds of letters, articles, reports and memorials for that work. This collection of sources has been carefully curated into eleven chapters covering the situation in 1863, the contending armies, the lead up to Gettysburg, the three days and elements of the battle, as well as the retreat and remembrance. Each of these chapters is introduced by Dr. Guelzo, giving the reader his thoughts on that aspect of the campaign and the materials he has brought together for the chapter.
This is the true strength of Voices From Gettysburg, the author has done the work for the reader and brought together these disparate and varied accounts into one volume. Not only does this provide insights from across a wide range of sources, sources that may not always be readily available, but by doing so Dr. Guelzo has also saved the reader or potential researcher a tremendous amount of time. While providing the materials, he has also exposed the sources of these accounts, possibly opening whole new avenues of research for the reader.
For those looking to glean more details about the people who made up the terrible tapestry of the Battle of Gettysburg, this book is for you. The vast majority of this work are the words of the participants themselves, not an interpretation of their words. By letting the participants speak for themselves, and in a few of the entries speak about themselves, Dr. Guelzo gives us the ability to see a fuller picture of humanity during the Civil War. Be it good or bad, true or embellished, the author has provided us the very tools he has used on pervious works to better understand the battle and this era.
June 5, 2025
If you’ve ever been moved by the raw emotion of the Civil War, whether through movies like Field of Lost Shoes or images like those in Brady's Civil War, Voices from Gettysburg by Allen C. Guelzo is a must-read. This book is an extraordinary collection of firsthand accounts—letters, papers, and memoirs—capturing the voices of soldiers, civilians, and even commanders who experienced the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
What makes this book stand out is the sheer humanity of it. Gettysburg was a defining moment not only for the war but for the nation, and Guelzo brings that intensity to life in a way that no history book could. The personal accounts are filled with details that you won't find in traditional textbooks—the fear, the courage, the confusion, and the hope. These voices make the history of Gettysburg real in a deeply emotional and relatable way, much like how Field of Lost Shoes humanized the soldiers I’d previously read about.
I was struck by how honest and raw these letters and memoirs are. The battle itself might be what we think of first when it comes to Gettysburg, but these voices offer a glimpse into the aftermath—the sorrow, the questions, the lingering trauma. It made me realize just how deeply the war affected those who fought in it, as well as the families who lost their loved ones. It's a deeply moving read that brings context to the numbers and statistics we often get caught up in.
Guelzo has curated these voices thoughtfully, offering context where needed, so readers can appreciate the full significance of these personal stories. Whether you’re looking to learn more about Gettysburg’s strategic importance or simply to understand the humanity of the soldiers who fought there, this collection provides a powerful glimpse into the heart of the battle.
If you’re like me, and the emotional depth of the Civil War has drawn you in through films, photographs, or other accounts, Voices from Gettysburg is a perfect continuation of that journey. It’s a vivid and heart-wrenching testament to the individuals who lived—and died—at Gettysburg, and it’s a 5-star addition to anyone’s Civil War library.
What makes this book stand out is the sheer humanity of it. Gettysburg was a defining moment not only for the war but for the nation, and Guelzo brings that intensity to life in a way that no history book could. The personal accounts are filled with details that you won't find in traditional textbooks—the fear, the courage, the confusion, and the hope. These voices make the history of Gettysburg real in a deeply emotional and relatable way, much like how Field of Lost Shoes humanized the soldiers I’d previously read about.
I was struck by how honest and raw these letters and memoirs are. The battle itself might be what we think of first when it comes to Gettysburg, but these voices offer a glimpse into the aftermath—the sorrow, the questions, the lingering trauma. It made me realize just how deeply the war affected those who fought in it, as well as the families who lost their loved ones. It's a deeply moving read that brings context to the numbers and statistics we often get caught up in.
Guelzo has curated these voices thoughtfully, offering context where needed, so readers can appreciate the full significance of these personal stories. Whether you’re looking to learn more about Gettysburg’s strategic importance or simply to understand the humanity of the soldiers who fought there, this collection provides a powerful glimpse into the heart of the battle.
If you’re like me, and the emotional depth of the Civil War has drawn you in through films, photographs, or other accounts, Voices from Gettysburg is a perfect continuation of that journey. It’s a vivid and heart-wrenching testament to the individuals who lived—and died—at Gettysburg, and it’s a 5-star addition to anyone’s Civil War library.
June 14, 2024
As someone who has walked the battlefield many times both with and without guides and who has read numerous books on the battle, this is a somewhat different take on the events of July 1-3, 1863. What is different is the way the author outlines the basics of each event in each day and then allows the voices of those who had taken part describe what occurred from their perspective. Oddly, there were only a few cases where I rolled my eyes as someone tried to force their own agenda into the narrative. Most of the descriptions were fair to both sides and did not try to take cheap shots at anyone.
That has always been my take away from visiting Gettysburg. Whatever we might think of the world of 1863, the participants in these battles were children of their time and their sacrifice should never be discounted because it is no longer in fashion or acceptable. The courage, the strength, the agony and even the nobility were shared across both sides.
There is no doubt in my mind that had Lee listened to Longstreet and continued the strategy that he, himself, had articulated for the Army of North Virginia, there might have been different results and the world in which we live would be vastly different. Whether in confidence or hubris, he asked more than his men could deliver and while it still took a long time, the Civil War was decided on that field.
Well written and compelling., I give it five purrs and two paws up.
That has always been my take away from visiting Gettysburg. Whatever we might think of the world of 1863, the participants in these battles were children of their time and their sacrifice should never be discounted because it is no longer in fashion or acceptable. The courage, the strength, the agony and even the nobility were shared across both sides.
There is no doubt in my mind that had Lee listened to Longstreet and continued the strategy that he, himself, had articulated for the Army of North Virginia, there might have been different results and the world in which we live would be vastly different. Whether in confidence or hubris, he asked more than his men could deliver and while it still took a long time, the Civil War was decided on that field.
Well written and compelling., I give it five purrs and two paws up.
April 10, 2025
In some ways, Ken Burns' "The Civil War" documentary masterwork built a daunting hill to charge. Even the brilliant Allen Guelzo faces a Pickett-like effort in stirring up the ghosts of Gettysburg. Unlike that ill-fated venture, his success is yet another tribute to the skills of this second-best (to James McPherson, OK?) of all Civil War historians.
Readers of Guelzo's "Gettysburg: The Last Invasion" (and you can't call yourself a Civil War buff if you haven't) will readily recognize the depth of the research here. And this is one historian who's not shy about calling out the good, bad and ugly amid the madness.
As always, historians of this epic time have an advantage in that people of the era were often excellent, prolific writers with a great deal to say. Guelzo's work uncovers many, many gems. No generic social media posts here - these are vivid personal stories told in all their sad brutalism. This is unforgettable, in-your-face history (now there's a good blurb extract for you, Dr. Guelzo) :).
Even the oft-told tales of Gettysburg need a master storyteller to hold the fabric together. And Guelzo's narrative puts it all in a clear context. The level of detail may not compel the general history reader to dive in, but "Voices of Gettysburg" is well worth the leap.
Readers of Guelzo's "Gettysburg: The Last Invasion" (and you can't call yourself a Civil War buff if you haven't) will readily recognize the depth of the research here. And this is one historian who's not shy about calling out the good, bad and ugly amid the madness.
As always, historians of this epic time have an advantage in that people of the era were often excellent, prolific writers with a great deal to say. Guelzo's work uncovers many, many gems. No generic social media posts here - these are vivid personal stories told in all their sad brutalism. This is unforgettable, in-your-face history (now there's a good blurb extract for you, Dr. Guelzo) :).
Even the oft-told tales of Gettysburg need a master storyteller to hold the fabric together. And Guelzo's narrative puts it all in a clear context. The level of detail may not compel the general history reader to dive in, but "Voices of Gettysburg" is well worth the leap.
May 20, 2024
In the book Voices From Gettysburg, letters papers and memoirs from the greatest battle in the Civil War by Alan C Guelzo in the book we hear from many different men in and out of the fight the wives the doctors we even get to hear about the horrible uniforms and boots they had, that only came in two sizes we get to hear peoples opinions on Robert E Lee but not only are the people talked about in the book famous names but some of the letters, papers and memoirs are pinned by famous men their self. They have many different varieties from the heartfelt to the funny to the mundane every day life and it is all so interesting. I love eyewitness accounts and that is what you get in this book from those who supported the confederacy to those who didn’t from the remorseful to the indignant and so much more. Alan C Guelzo has done an awesome job this book as well RESEARCH with short chapters theirs even a map and a preamble about the war before you get in to the correspondents and letters. What more can I say this is an awesome book that any history fan would love. I want to think Kensington books for my free arc copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
July 5, 2024
Of the books I've read that are primarily the copy of first hand documents, this one was a significant improvement. Dr. Guelzo provided enough lead in material for the non-academic of the Civil War to understand the context of the coming chapter. This greatly helped in interpreting the personal experiences and action taking place. Given the rich descriptions provided by many of the first hand documents, I referred often to the graphics at the beginning of the chapters to orient myself to each story/account. It made for a halting read at times, but that's not a criticism. Just part of my experience as a relative newbie to this depth of Civil War history.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book and will seek to read other books by Dr. Guelzo.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book and will seek to read other books by Dr. Guelzo.
May 20, 2024
I have always been interested in history, particularly the Civil War. In my late teens, my grandparents took me to Gettysburg. Seeing the fields and landmarks in person, that I’d seen in books covered in fallen soldiers, was quite moving. This book was difficult to read at times because of what the people went through, but it really gives a lot of context to what people thought of the leadership and what their daily lives were like from comfort or lack there of, uniforms, food. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 24, 2024
As a longtime civil war buff, I have enjoyed the works of Guelzo and was looking forward to this recent book. However, I was very disappointed when I purchased the audiobook, as the narrator sounded as if he was wearing loose-fitting dentures. Worse yet, he spoke in an irritating monotone voice. Indeed, it takes a lot of talent to make the pivotal figures of Gettysburg sound colorless and boring….but this atrocious narrator definitely succeeded. Fortunately, Audible let me return the book and, at some time in the future, I expect to pick up a copy for my Kindle.
December 14, 2024
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It is a great collection for a Civil War and specifically Gettysburg buff. If you know fewer of the details of the battle, this may be a difficult read. The accounts from many different parties on either side of the battle are primarily about the logistics of the three days, how the battles unfolded. It's much less about the people, how they felt about the battle, how it affected them and their families. A good add to any collection of Civil War books.
May 30, 2024
The concept of letting the voices of the participants tell the story of Gettysbugh both during, before- and after the battle. Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, Commanders of the Armies George Gordon Meade and Robert E. Lee corps and division commanders, private soldiers, and civilians how they saw the battle.
The author Allen C Guelzo is well-versed in the literature of the battle and has done an excellent job in choosing the examples.
The author Allen C Guelzo is well-versed in the literature of the battle and has done an excellent job in choosing the examples.
March 23, 2024
Voices from Gettysburg is an interesting collection of first-person accounts from the Battle of Gettysburg. This is a book many historians will want to have in their libraries. It is not an easy book to read but it is an excellent resource detailing a very important battle of the American Civil War.
January 6, 2025
An extremely interesting format for reading about the battle of Gettysburg. Each chapter contains a short overview about a part of the battle, followed by first-hand accounts. Events are listed chronologically, often with diametrically opposed viewpoints, one after the other. I would recommend this book to anyone going to visit the battlefield for the first time, or the hundredth.
September 21, 2024
A great collection of varied original source material. This book is an excellent resource for both the reader who is just beginning to delve into the study of the battle, as well as someone who is more knowledgeable.
September 2, 2025
Primary source collection is good and thankfully makes up most of the book. However, Guelzo has summaries at the beginning of each chapter in which he continues his bad takes from his book, Gettysburg: The Last Invasion. Not sure what Meade ever did to this guy.
November 30, 2025
The battle of Gettysburg a story much told over the years. The days prior, the days during and the days after are synopsis followed by letters, excerpts, speeches, etc from participants and witnesses.
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June 4, 2024Great book
June 12, 2024
Received my ARC! This will be so interesting to read and learn about! Thank you so much!!
July 5, 2024
A must for any civil war buff. I enjoyed it immensely. Very well put together.
July 5, 2024
Voices from Gettysburg is a very good book about the major battle that is interesting story to read.
August 5, 2024
Loved it!!
September 10, 2024
Fascinating to hear form the words of the people that were there. Definitely give this a read.
August 28, 2025
As a Civil War enthusiast, I thought that this book was great. It was fascinating to read the letters and papers of many notable persons, on both sides, involved with the battle of Gettysburg.
April 7, 2024
Voices from Gettysburg by Allen C. Guelzo is a goldmine anthology of hidden gems from the civil war. These are original documents collected from people from all perspectives. Soldiers, civilians, wealthy, poor, young, old, male, and female all lived through it, and all had something to say. These experiences and stories enriched my knowledge base in a real and unforgettable way. Some of the stories are enlightening, some are gripping and haunting. All of them are genuine and authentic. Excerpts like original maps, memoirs, and letters made it feel more real and less like a history book. This is one I took my time reading and will likely refer to it again at future intervals. Thank you, Allen, for taking the time and commitment to preserve this part of our history in such a moving and compelling collection.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews