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Gettysburg, 1913: The Complete Novel of the Great Reunion
The 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War is rapidly approaching. What became of so many of those veterans - Union and Confederate alike - fifty years after the end of that terrible war?
GETTYSBURG, 1913: THE COMPLETE NOVEL OF THE GREAT REUNION
(originally published as a 3-part serialized novel; now available in one complete volume)
July 1-3, 1863: The famed Battle of Gettysburg turns the tide of the Civil War, but not before approximately 50,000 soldiers from both sides become casualties during those three terrible days of carnage.
June 29-July 4, 1913: To commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Battle of Gettysburg, more than 50,000 Civil War Veterans ranging in age from 61 to more than 100 years old converge on the scene of that titanic battle half a century earlier in an occasion of healing that was known as The Great Reunion.
Abraham Lincoln had incorrectly surmised in his famed Gettysburg Address that "the world will little note nor long remember what we say here" four months after the battle itself, but those very words could well be said about The Great Reunion that occurred half a century later. Though at the time the 1913 gathering was a widely anticipated, momentous commemoration with 50,000 spectators joining the 50,000 veterans, the grandest of all gatherings of Civil War veterans has been all but forgotten in the nearly 100 years since that occasion.
Until now.
GETTYSBURG, 1913: THE COMPLETE NOVEL OF THE GREAT REUNION
_______
Travel back in time to spend the Great Reunion in the company of these unforgettable characters (and others) in this meticulously researched tale:
Doctor Samuel Chambers, a young unmarried Philadelphia physician thrust into great responsibility as Pennsylvania's chief planner of medical and aid facilities for more than 50,000 Civil War veterans, averaging 70 years of age...all of whom will be spending the duration of The Great Reunion encamped in outdoor tents under temperatures expected to approach or even exceed 100 degrees.
Louisa May Sterling, a Gettysburg nurse and the young widow of a West Point-educated Army officer whose untimely death from typhoid left her alone with only her son Randall for companionship...but for whom The Great Reunion opens up an unexpected second chance at happiness when she meets Samuel Chambers.
Angus Findlay, now just past his 85th birthday but during the Battle of Gettysburg a dashing cavalry officer serving with the Army of Northern Virginia directly under the legendary J.E.B. Stuart...and who became a leading figure in Virginia politics during Reconstruction.
Chester Morrison, a classic Gilded Age Titan of Industry (and recent widower) from Philadelphia who decades earlier had been a green private facing battle for the first time at Gettysburg.
Edgar and Johnny Sullivan, brothers from Illinois who had been members of the Union Cavalry Division that arrived at Gettysburg the day before the battle began. Years later, the Sullivans became allies of the Earp brothers in Tombstone and were first-hand witnesses to the evolution of Arizona from Old West to the early 20th century.
Ned Tomlinson, a Confederate veteran from Norfolk, Virginia who lost his left leg during the ill-fated assault known ever since as Pickett's Charge before being taken prisoner by the Yankees.
John K. Tener, the real-life Governor of Pennsylvania - born in County Tyrone, Ireland, only weeks after the Battle of Gettysburg - who was a former Major League baseball player and under whose leadership The Great Reunion was planned and held.
GETTYSBURG, 1913: THE COMPLETE NOVEL OF THE GREAT REUNION
(originally published as a 3-part serialized novel; now available in one complete volume)
July 1-3, 1863: The famed Battle of Gettysburg turns the tide of the Civil War, but not before approximately 50,000 soldiers from both sides become casualties during those three terrible days of carnage.
June 29-July 4, 1913: To commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Battle of Gettysburg, more than 50,000 Civil War Veterans ranging in age from 61 to more than 100 years old converge on the scene of that titanic battle half a century earlier in an occasion of healing that was known as The Great Reunion.
Abraham Lincoln had incorrectly surmised in his famed Gettysburg Address that "the world will little note nor long remember what we say here" four months after the battle itself, but those very words could well be said about The Great Reunion that occurred half a century later. Though at the time the 1913 gathering was a widely anticipated, momentous commemoration with 50,000 spectators joining the 50,000 veterans, the grandest of all gatherings of Civil War veterans has been all but forgotten in the nearly 100 years since that occasion.
Until now.
GETTYSBURG, 1913: THE COMPLETE NOVEL OF THE GREAT REUNION
_______
Travel back in time to spend the Great Reunion in the company of these unforgettable characters (and others) in this meticulously researched tale:
Doctor Samuel Chambers, a young unmarried Philadelphia physician thrust into great responsibility as Pennsylvania's chief planner of medical and aid facilities for more than 50,000 Civil War veterans, averaging 70 years of age...all of whom will be spending the duration of The Great Reunion encamped in outdoor tents under temperatures expected to approach or even exceed 100 degrees.
Louisa May Sterling, a Gettysburg nurse and the young widow of a West Point-educated Army officer whose untimely death from typhoid left her alone with only her son Randall for companionship...but for whom The Great Reunion opens up an unexpected second chance at happiness when she meets Samuel Chambers.
Angus Findlay, now just past his 85th birthday but during the Battle of Gettysburg a dashing cavalry officer serving with the Army of Northern Virginia directly under the legendary J.E.B. Stuart...and who became a leading figure in Virginia politics during Reconstruction.
Chester Morrison, a classic Gilded Age Titan of Industry (and recent widower) from Philadelphia who decades earlier had been a green private facing battle for the first time at Gettysburg.
Edgar and Johnny Sullivan, brothers from Illinois who had been members of the Union Cavalry Division that arrived at Gettysburg the day before the battle began. Years later, the Sullivans became allies of the Earp brothers in Tombstone and were first-hand witnesses to the evolution of Arizona from Old West to the early 20th century.
Ned Tomlinson, a Confederate veteran from Norfolk, Virginia who lost his left leg during the ill-fated assault known ever since as Pickett's Charge before being taken prisoner by the Yankees.
John K. Tener, the real-life Governor of Pennsylvania - born in County Tyrone, Ireland, only weeks after the Battle of Gettysburg - who was a former Major League baseball player and under whose leadership The Great Reunion was planned and held.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2014
202 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Alan Simon
10 books42 followersFrom USA TODAY bestselling author Alan Simon...just published: THE DELUCA FURLOUGH BRIDES - BOOK 1: THE ONES THEY LEFT BEHIND...a "spinoff" novel to THE FIRST CHRISTMAS OF THE WAR and its sequels.
Also available: the USA TODAY bestseller GETTYSBURG, 1913: THE COMPLETE NOVEL OF THE GREAT REUNION...a very unique story (originally written as a 3-part serialized novel) set against the backdrop of the real-life, all-but-forgotten "Great Reunion" of more than 50,000 aging Civil War veterans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. In the midst of this tale of the greatest post-war healing event the world has ever seen you'll also find a sweet, turn-of-last-century love story between a widowed nurse and a lonely Philadelphia physician.
Author of a memoir about growing up watching the great baseball player Roberto Clemente who lost his life on a mercy mission to earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua more than 40 years ago on New Year's Eve. Enjoy:
Clemente: Memories of a Once-Young Fan - Four Birthdays, Three World Series, Two Holiday Steelers Games, and One Bar Mitzvah.
Also available: the USA TODAY bestseller GETTYSBURG, 1913: THE COMPLETE NOVEL OF THE GREAT REUNION...a very unique story (originally written as a 3-part serialized novel) set against the backdrop of the real-life, all-but-forgotten "Great Reunion" of more than 50,000 aging Civil War veterans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. In the midst of this tale of the greatest post-war healing event the world has ever seen you'll also find a sweet, turn-of-last-century love story between a widowed nurse and a lonely Philadelphia physician.
Author of a memoir about growing up watching the great baseball player Roberto Clemente who lost his life on a mercy mission to earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua more than 40 years ago on New Year's Eve. Enjoy:
Clemente: Memories of a Once-Young Fan - Four Birthdays, Three World Series, Two Holiday Steelers Games, and One Bar Mitzvah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 14, 2016
Because I am fascinated by the Civil War, I completely enjoyed this novel, interwoven with real facts and events that occurred during the Great Reunion in 1913. I had heard of this reunion in 2013 on a news segment that mentioned that it had occurred, at that time 100 years ago. I thought how fascinating an event that must have been. I enjoyed how the author included the logistics of planning the Great Reunion, the tents for sleeping, eating and medical. also he selected characters from many backgrounds, both Union and Confederate. Also his coverage of the event as a healing experience and peaceful unity of North and South participants was very thought provoking. I enjoyed the relationship between Samuel Chambers and Louisa Sterling and hoped that really happened! The author includes a website where you can learn more about the real reunion. Highly recommend for any history buffs.
August 28, 2016
Sometimes history can give me goose bumps and I had them all throughout this book. Some of this book is unbelievable in the way they capture the feel of these poor men while they relive probably one of the worst days in their lives. The historical implications and overall historical take is just purely fascinating and the impact of the Gettysburg battle to our county can't be denied. lovely book.
June 1, 2019
This novel supposes how a small group of veterans of the Battle of Gettysburg reacted to the 50th Anniversary Jubilee in 1913. It follows two cousins from western Pennsylvania; the president of the Baldwin Locomotive Company; two brothers from Illinois who made their home after the war in Arizona and worked/fought with Wyatt Earp; a man from Louisiana, and the aide-de-camp to JEB Stuart during the Civil War, all who are attending the reunion. It also chronicles the involvement of John Tener, the real-life then-governor of PA in the planning and execution of the reunion, and his struggles to bring the reunion to fruition. Thrown in a romance between the doctor in charge of medical facilities and an almost-30-year-old widow with an 8-year-old son.
The characters were well-developed and the shifting between their perspectives was smooth. I liked how the author meshed their experiences at the reunion - and on the battlefield 50 years prior - together. Some of the minute details of each days' activities were less interesting, but the culmination of the activities, a re-enactment of Pickett's Charge at the Angle (which really happened; I looked it up), was so moving that I cried.
If you are a history buff, especially a Civil War history buff, this book is a must. (Think The Killer Angels 50 years hence...)
The characters were well-developed and the shifting between their perspectives was smooth. I liked how the author meshed their experiences at the reunion - and on the battlefield 50 years prior - together. Some of the minute details of each days' activities were less interesting, but the culmination of the activities, a re-enactment of Pickett's Charge at the Angle (which really happened; I looked it up), was so moving that I cried.
If you are a history buff, especially a Civil War history buff, this book is a must. (Think The Killer Angels 50 years hence...)
August 6, 2017
The novel follows a group of confederate and union soldiers who attend the reunion. Some of them fought in various battles over the original 3 days, some in only one and some not at all but in other battles engaged at the same time but elsewhere. It also follows a doctor and nurse working the event. The men were mostly in their seventies or older and all not in the best health. 40-50 thousand attended and were put up in tents of 10, fed and cared for during 3 of the hottest and most humid days (one day over 100) of summer, July 1-3. 5 men died most of heat exhaustion and many others suffered from it. The stories of the main characters were interesting. The writing was a little stiff but still enjoyable.
September 16, 2024
The only reason I didn't give up on this book is because it read like a well-written historical monograph, and I actually enjoy those. However, as a novel, it was not good. There was no plot, no climax, no character development. The entire "novel" is more a narration of the events preceding the Great Reunion and then the Reunion itself, filled with unnecessary details (like when the author mentions that two characters were having lunch on the same table that two other characters had had lunch earlier--who cares?). It was nice to learn about this historical even that I knew nothing about, but it was not an enjoyable novel.
April 11, 2019
The writing style was a bit frustrating as it was repetitive. Also, some of the descriptions of various scenes were very interesting while others e.g. discussion of tired old bodies of the men coming to the reunion were not only redundant but too much detail that didn't add to the story.
There was some interesting history to learn and it was enlightening to read about how politics in 1913 was almost as idiotic as it is in 2019.
There was some interesting history to learn and it was enlightening to read about how politics in 1913 was almost as idiotic as it is in 2019.
May 4, 2024
The event that brought healing for a divided country
A great docudrama in book form. The event was real along with most of the dignitaries. The veteran's, though ficticous, created a story of the gray and blue, realising they were all now integral parts of our great country. Enemies became friends and a love story blossomed in the background. A great part of our history woven into this book and worth reading.
A great docudrama in book form. The event was real along with most of the dignitaries. The veteran's, though ficticous, created a story of the gray and blue, realising they were all now integral parts of our great country. Enemies became friends and a love story blossomed in the background. A great part of our history woven into this book and worth reading.
June 24, 2017
I enjoyed this historical fiction story not because of the history I learned but because it tells the story of how Union and Confederate soldiers came together fifty years after the Battle of Gettysburg and celebrated what they had in common instead of their differences. It left me feeling hopeful for the future.
November 30, 2019
Excellent historical novel lots of detail tiny bit of romance just really a good read kept my interest would love to have more details talked about at the end in the epilogue more things that you'd want to know but no new book that would say this is where you can get that information that was disappointing but the book itself was just wonderful
June 14, 2020
I wanted to like this book. Loved the details and the writer clearly did a lot of research, but like much of history in the US it’s very whitewashed. I made it a good way through but couldn’t get past the fact there were no black people represented. I had to abandon it because I think the world has had its fill of white people history.
January 22, 2017
Great read for anyone in history.
While fictional the book details many events that really took place in Gettysburg during the reunion. If you are a Civil War buff you will love this book.
While fictional the book details many events that really took place in Gettysburg during the reunion. If you are a Civil War buff you will love this book.
May 31, 2017
A forgotten event brought to life
In years of reading books on the war, I had never heard of this reunion. The event is real, the participants less so, but movement the story forward.
In years of reading books on the war, I had never heard of this reunion. The event is real, the participants less so, but movement the story forward.
August 28, 2020
Great story
Not only does it look at the aftermath of survivors of the great war but the handling of age as one walks to the twilight of one's life. Excellent read with an expected ending. Highly recommend anticipated ending. Highly recommended for all.
Not only does it look at the aftermath of survivors of the great war but the handling of age as one walks to the twilight of one's life. Excellent read with an expected ending. Highly recommend anticipated ending. Highly recommended for all.
May 6, 2024
This was pretty interesting. There was a lot of information about Gettyburg as well as the Civil War that was a realization. Hearing from the men 60 years later, what they felt then and now. How this was healing, it was poignant.
January 20, 2019
Well done.
Interesting , detailed, well constructed relationships worked to make the story human. If you don't like the tiny details, it won't be for you.
Interesting , detailed, well constructed relationships worked to make the story human. If you don't like the tiny details, it won't be for you.
February 10, 2019
I really wanted to like this book but weir, frankly, it fell short of my expectations
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May 22, 2021NOOK
January 10, 2017
I picked up Gettysburg, 1913: The Complete Novel of the Great Reunion by Alan Simon on a lark. I saw an ad for it and, since it was about a historical event that I wasn’t familiar with, I picked it up.
Wow. The story takes place in the historic meeting of the veterans of the Civil War, most of them from the Battle of Gettysburg but every veteran was invited, no matter what side or what battle they fought in. While the author has the story take place around fictional people, there is a lot of very good research and the actual people who were there, the leaders, the famous, and the politicians.
Fictionally, you have the story of Chester Morrison, who ran a major locomotive company after the war, who goes with his son to the reunion, hoping to put aside the demons that had haunted him from the war. And the Sullivans, who come from Tuscon after being in the union army, and having worked with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Old Ned Tomlinson, who lost a leg at the battle, wants to go back to commemorate the battle, along with other Confederates. From New Orleans, former West Point student and Confederate soldier, Philip Roberdeau travels to the Great Reunion to remember the soldiers he served with. Another couple of soldiers of the Union side, the cousins Devin and Seamus McAteer reunite to travel to the reunion, even though they did not serve at Gettysburg, it’s a chance to meet others and maybe meet with others. And the doctor, Samuel Chambers, and a nurse, Louisa Sterling and her eight year old son, Randall fill out the younger story of the work to keep aged soldiers who were not in the best of health, alive in the 100 degree heat of the reunion.
But the story is also the story of the major historical figures there, Governor Tenor, George S. Patton and even the arrival and swift departure (only an hour!) of President Woodrow Wilson. Author Alan Simon did years of research on this event and it shows in his absolutely stunning story. This is a book lovingly crafted with all the suspense, love, and valor you would expect from such an event. I read long into the night and mourned the fact I needed sleep because I had to put the book down. I did end up reading it in two days and now I need to go look up the reunion for myself and see the history and pictures.
Wow. The story takes place in the historic meeting of the veterans of the Civil War, most of them from the Battle of Gettysburg but every veteran was invited, no matter what side or what battle they fought in. While the author has the story take place around fictional people, there is a lot of very good research and the actual people who were there, the leaders, the famous, and the politicians.
Fictionally, you have the story of Chester Morrison, who ran a major locomotive company after the war, who goes with his son to the reunion, hoping to put aside the demons that had haunted him from the war. And the Sullivans, who come from Tuscon after being in the union army, and having worked with Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Old Ned Tomlinson, who lost a leg at the battle, wants to go back to commemorate the battle, along with other Confederates. From New Orleans, former West Point student and Confederate soldier, Philip Roberdeau travels to the Great Reunion to remember the soldiers he served with. Another couple of soldiers of the Union side, the cousins Devin and Seamus McAteer reunite to travel to the reunion, even though they did not serve at Gettysburg, it’s a chance to meet others and maybe meet with others. And the doctor, Samuel Chambers, and a nurse, Louisa Sterling and her eight year old son, Randall fill out the younger story of the work to keep aged soldiers who were not in the best of health, alive in the 100 degree heat of the reunion.
But the story is also the story of the major historical figures there, Governor Tenor, George S. Patton and even the arrival and swift departure (only an hour!) of President Woodrow Wilson. Author Alan Simon did years of research on this event and it shows in his absolutely stunning story. This is a book lovingly crafted with all the suspense, love, and valor you would expect from such an event. I read long into the night and mourned the fact I needed sleep because I had to put the book down. I did end up reading it in two days and now I need to go look up the reunion for myself and see the history and pictures.
February 9, 2016
Gettysburg, 1913: The Complete Novel of the Great Reunion
Alan Simon has brought history to life in this poignant novel which follows civil war characters who were still alive fifty years after the war to attend fiftieth reunion at Gettysburg. It follows the planning for this momentous event along with the conflicts many veterans felt about encountering their blue and gray foes of that great war. There were to be 50,000 attendees or more to attend this largest gathering of this sort in history facing the July heat and spending days in tents much as they did in their youth fifty years earlier. If you love reading historical fiction, I think you will enjoy this book. I think it would also be great for students of all ages to enjoy and do book reports on as the author has employed a young nine year old boy to assist other boy scouts who helped and ran errands for the old veterans. This book also makes me want to delve into my ancestral past and maybe understand the what and where of their parts in this great civil war.
Alan Simon has brought history to life in this poignant novel which follows civil war characters who were still alive fifty years after the war to attend fiftieth reunion at Gettysburg. It follows the planning for this momentous event along with the conflicts many veterans felt about encountering their blue and gray foes of that great war. There were to be 50,000 attendees or more to attend this largest gathering of this sort in history facing the July heat and spending days in tents much as they did in their youth fifty years earlier. If you love reading historical fiction, I think you will enjoy this book. I think it would also be great for students of all ages to enjoy and do book reports on as the author has employed a young nine year old boy to assist other boy scouts who helped and ran errands for the old veterans. This book also makes me want to delve into my ancestral past and maybe understand the what and where of their parts in this great civil war.
July 4, 2016
An astonishingly interesting and poignant account of the Great Reunion of 1913. The narrative was excellent and the supporting characters and their stories as well as those of individual veterans returning to the scene of the greatest battle of the Civil War 50 years later made for a rich and rewarding read for any history buff. I heartily recommend this book as it touches on the lives of men, both Confederate and Federal who who felt the call to make one last pilgrimage, even though most were in their 70's and 80's to finally lay to rest the ghosts that haunted many of them for over half a century. Many historical people are featured and many names dropped in the course of this read. It is well worth the time to read and enjoy.
January 27, 2015
Never knew there was a 50th Anniversary Reunion for the Civil War and the concept behind it was wonderful. Wish all enemies would accept everyone for who they are, not what they represent. As for the writing of this book, I felt it let something to be desired, at places it was repetitious but, all in all, I did enjoy the book.
December 18, 2015
Learning made fun
I really enjoyed this book. It took me back I time & I felt I was really there. I Googled some of the facts and learned even more about the actual battle and the reunion. I had never heard of the reunion - this book made learning history fun
I really enjoyed this book. It took me back I time & I felt I was really there. I Googled some of the facts and learned even more about the actual battle and the reunion. I had never heard of the reunion - this book made learning history fun
February 22, 2016
Good Story
A good story about the 50th re-union of the battle of Gettysburg. In my opinion too much was written about love story between a doctor and nurse instead of the ceremony itself. Still worth reading.
A good story about the 50th re-union of the battle of Gettysburg. In my opinion too much was written about love story between a doctor and nurse instead of the ceremony itself. Still worth reading.
March 2, 2016
Remembering the Soldier after the Battle ended
Good insight to the mind of the aged civil war soldier. It made me see things I had never contemplated before. The feelings and thoughts the old soldier had later in life. Great read.
Good insight to the mind of the aged civil war soldier. It made me see things I had never contemplated before. The feelings and thoughts the old soldier had later in life. Great read.
March 28, 2016
Reunion Immortal
This is one of the best historical novels I believe written on the combatants of the Civil War. If you like history this book is a must. Based on lives of real historical men who was there, keeps you spellbound.
This is one of the best historical novels I believe written on the combatants of the Civil War. If you like history this book is a must. Based on lives of real historical men who was there, keeps you spellbound.
December 29, 2014
Duty Honor Country
This story honors the fallen and veterans of the Civil War. Everyone should read and remember how the nation divided and what forgiveness really means.
This story honors the fallen and veterans of the Civil War. Everyone should read and remember how the nation divided and what forgiveness really means.
November 3, 2015
Profoundly moving and heart-warming story of a real peace - in the hearts of the combatants decades after the war has ended...
February 25, 2016
I found this book to be very good. I hope that the Great Reunion really did help the soldiers from the Blue and the Grey to get some peace.
February 15, 2016
Loved the feeling of being there.
I have enjoyed reading books about Gettysburg for a long time. This one made me feel good that at least a few of those old men had some closure.
I have enjoyed reading books about Gettysburg for a long time. This one made me feel good that at least a few of those old men had some closure.
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February 18, 2016excellent novilization centered on a interesting historical event
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews