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High Tide at Gettysburg: The Campaign in Pennsylvania
High Tide at Gettysburg tells the story of the Army of Virginia. How near the South came to victory is clearly set forth in these pages. The author vividly conveys the background of the crucial b attle of the Civil War so that the reader can fully appreciate its unfolding.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1958
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 25, 2011
When the movie on Gettysburg was first released in Australia I tried desperately to find a book to read about the battle. I found this one and I enjoyed it a great deal.
It may not be the most detailed account available but I found it to be one of the best that gave a complete overview of the 3 days fighting without getting lost or bored. The authors style of writing was refreshing and enjoyable and I found it hard to put the book down. Still one of my favourite books on this battle although I have read many since.
It may not be the most detailed account available but I found it to be one of the best that gave a complete overview of the 3 days fighting without getting lost or bored. The authors style of writing was refreshing and enjoyable and I found it hard to put the book down. Still one of my favourite books on this battle although I have read many since.
June 30, 2023
A Good Introduction To The Battle Of Gettysburg
The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1 -- July 3, 1863) is the most - discussed battle of the Civil War. It provides endless materials for discussion on questions ranging from the reasons for the Confederacy's invasion of the North, the factors leading up to the battle, the strategy and tactics employed by the armies, how close the South came, or could have come, to achieving victory, and -- most importantly -- the significance of it all for our country.
Even with such recent studies of Gettysburg as those by Steven Sears (2003) and Noah Trudeau (2002) Tucker's 1958 book, "High Tide at Gettysburg" remains worth reading. There are immeasurable perspectives on this battle. I am finding that the reader can only work towards an understanding of it by reading several accounts. Tucker's book is less detailed than are the studies of Sears and Trudeau. But it is an easier read, it is well told, and it features many interesting biographical detail an many of the key figures of the battle. In terms of getting a grasp of the complex military actions, it might be better for the reader to start with Tucker before approaching Sears or Trudeau.
Tucker differs from Sears and Trudeau in that he takes a pro-South perspective. His focus is on the Army of Northern Virginia and on its heroics -- and its failures -- during the battle. There are moments when I felt Tucker was downplaying the Union effort at the battle to such a degree that he thought that the ultimate success or failure of the Southern effort was entirely in the South's hands. (Many years after the battle General George Pickett was asked why his charge failed. He replied "I think the Union Army had something to do with it.")
Tucker also takes a markedly Southern view of the meaning of the War. He sees it as a War for Southern Independence which reached its high tide at Gettysburg. He tells his story with drama and passion. He greatly downplays slavery as a motivating factor for the Civil War, contrary to most more recent accounts of Civil War History. Again, he also tends to minimize the moral force of the Union's commitment, exemplified by the determination of President Lincoln to hold our country together as one nation rather than have it divide in two.
Tucker's approach is valuable because it emphasizes how people on both sides of the conflict were fighting for what they perceived as ideals. This is sometimes forgotten in more recent accounts and it goes a considerably way to explain the ferocity of the fighting. There is a great deal to be learned from Tucker as long as the reader approaches the book critically.
There has been endless discussion about why the Battle of Gettysburg turned out the way it did. In the final chapter of his book Tucker offers a list of his reasons. His list is thoughtful if not particularly surprising to students of the battle. The list will help the reader focus on the critical events of this fascinating battle and to reflect on their meaning.
Robin Friedman
The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1 -- July 3, 1863) is the most - discussed battle of the Civil War. It provides endless materials for discussion on questions ranging from the reasons for the Confederacy's invasion of the North, the factors leading up to the battle, the strategy and tactics employed by the armies, how close the South came, or could have come, to achieving victory, and -- most importantly -- the significance of it all for our country.
Even with such recent studies of Gettysburg as those by Steven Sears (2003) and Noah Trudeau (2002) Tucker's 1958 book, "High Tide at Gettysburg" remains worth reading. There are immeasurable perspectives on this battle. I am finding that the reader can only work towards an understanding of it by reading several accounts. Tucker's book is less detailed than are the studies of Sears and Trudeau. But it is an easier read, it is well told, and it features many interesting biographical detail an many of the key figures of the battle. In terms of getting a grasp of the complex military actions, it might be better for the reader to start with Tucker before approaching Sears or Trudeau.
Tucker differs from Sears and Trudeau in that he takes a pro-South perspective. His focus is on the Army of Northern Virginia and on its heroics -- and its failures -- during the battle. There are moments when I felt Tucker was downplaying the Union effort at the battle to such a degree that he thought that the ultimate success or failure of the Southern effort was entirely in the South's hands. (Many years after the battle General George Pickett was asked why his charge failed. He replied "I think the Union Army had something to do with it.")
Tucker also takes a markedly Southern view of the meaning of the War. He sees it as a War for Southern Independence which reached its high tide at Gettysburg. He tells his story with drama and passion. He greatly downplays slavery as a motivating factor for the Civil War, contrary to most more recent accounts of Civil War History. Again, he also tends to minimize the moral force of the Union's commitment, exemplified by the determination of President Lincoln to hold our country together as one nation rather than have it divide in two.
Tucker's approach is valuable because it emphasizes how people on both sides of the conflict were fighting for what they perceived as ideals. This is sometimes forgotten in more recent accounts and it goes a considerably way to explain the ferocity of the fighting. There is a great deal to be learned from Tucker as long as the reader approaches the book critically.
There has been endless discussion about why the Battle of Gettysburg turned out the way it did. In the final chapter of his book Tucker offers a list of his reasons. His list is thoughtful if not particularly surprising to students of the battle. The list will help the reader focus on the critical events of this fascinating battle and to reflect on their meaning.
Robin Friedman
September 25, 2007
This is a good comprehensive book on the battle of Gettysburg and 20 years ago it would have received 5 stars. The problem is that quite a few of the details are now wrong and facts are misrepresented. For example, this book still perpetuates the myth that the Confederates were going to Gettysburg for shoes. This is wrong and has been misquoted in textbooks and history books for too long. In addition, some of his facts on the third day come from 1st person narratives that have since been discredited. Also, his descriptions of Little Round Top also are from questionable sources. In his day, Glen Tucker did great research and wrote a definitive history of the battle, but we have learned so much more about the accuracy of what happened in the last 25 years that it is better to read one of the more modern accounts of the battle.
August 22, 2020
This is a very clean overview of the battle that doesn't get too bogged down in the minute details. Tucker also balances his coverage on both sides of the conflict without focusing too much on one or the other. This would be a great book for someone who is not overly familiar with the battle - and yet it still offers some insight to those who may have a deeper knowledge.
Again, my usual complaint on these types of books is a lack of enough maps. Even when you are familiar with the battle, it is always good to have a visual accompaniment to go with descriptions of battle movements. There are a few here, bit it could use more.
Again, my usual complaint on these types of books is a lack of enough maps. Even when you are familiar with the battle, it is always good to have a visual accompaniment to go with descriptions of battle movements. There are a few here, bit it could use more.
August 9, 2014
Outstanding historical account of the battle that decided the outcome of the war. So many mistakes committed by Lee, and he still almost won.
August 17, 2012
I'm a huge fan of Tucker. I've read a number of books about Gettysburg, but Tucker's ranks well above the others.
September 16, 2009
Although I've been interested in the American Civil War for a long while, I haven't read as much on it - as is my practice with most historical periods, I've read overall histories supplemented by very singular ones and historical fiction (The Killer Angels and its accompaniments) - in the case of the Civil War, Bruce Catton's short history and a book called The Generals at Gettysuburg, which provides brief biographical information about each of the commanders, done to the regimental level. Those at least stick in my memory - there have been more, but it's been awhile.
Mind you, then, this battle history ended up being a bit of a shock. It was at the point I got 6 chapters in and hadn't even heard about the Union army that I got a bit curious. I waltzed in expecting a reasonably bland account of a battle, and ended up knee deep in a lyrical history of the Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg (staring North Carolina) featuring "those people" over there. The title should have been a bit of a giveaway, I admit.
The writing however, is top notch. As a person who is dreadful at understanding tactics, reading this book made how the battle happened very clear - it also has very good maps. I do enjoy reading about personal characteristics and anecdotes - I just wouldn't mind having some for the other side. Lastly, the author really is an excellent writer - there are some absolutely lovely passages in this, a history of a battle.
I can't recommend this as an overall history of the Battle of Gettysburg because it's coverage is just too narrow. At the same time, I could see a British history of Trafalgar taking a similar stance without my minding it so much - perhaps because I would have been forewarned about it? It's hard to say. Definitely a book worth reading, for those interested in the Battle of Gettysburg, but I do feel that it needs to be supplemented by something which covers the Union side a bit better.
Mind you, then, this battle history ended up being a bit of a shock. It was at the point I got 6 chapters in and hadn't even heard about the Union army that I got a bit curious. I waltzed in expecting a reasonably bland account of a battle, and ended up knee deep in a lyrical history of the Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg (staring North Carolina) featuring "those people" over there. The title should have been a bit of a giveaway, I admit.
The writing however, is top notch. As a person who is dreadful at understanding tactics, reading this book made how the battle happened very clear - it also has very good maps. I do enjoy reading about personal characteristics and anecdotes - I just wouldn't mind having some for the other side. Lastly, the author really is an excellent writer - there are some absolutely lovely passages in this, a history of a battle.
I can't recommend this as an overall history of the Battle of Gettysburg because it's coverage is just too narrow. At the same time, I could see a British history of Trafalgar taking a similar stance without my minding it so much - perhaps because I would have been forewarned about it? It's hard to say. Definitely a book worth reading, for those interested in the Battle of Gettysburg, but I do feel that it needs to be supplemented by something which covers the Union side a bit better.
August 24, 2018
I really loved this book on the Battle of Gettysburg. It provided more personal details about the individuals involved in the Civil War and their personalities. Both sides of the Battle had excellent leaders and then some that were not so great. I had always read that General Robert E. Lee was a true gentleman, and from reading this book I think he was more than that. He truly cared about people regardless of which side of the they stood for. General Meade, I still don't think much about him as a great General, he was just there. The fighting was truly horrific for both sides, the Gray and the Blue. Actually, more deaths happened for the North than the South, even though the South lost the battle, or at least gave up and left before they were totally annihilated. A must read of Civil War Buffs!!
June 12, 2020
This is likely obvious, but you have to love Gettysburg to read this one. This one's been sitting on my (virtual) reading desk for about ten months now, ever since I first went to Gettysburg, and at points it's been a slog. But it's a good read that I enjoyed. It is highly detailed, and it's an older book, meaning a lot of the history is changed. It still conforms to the cult of Lee - in the end, this battle, Tucker implies, hinges on Lee and his mistakes, rather than Meade and his successes. In my biased way, I loved it for its defense of Longstreet, who certainly comes off just fine here. In short: a readable detailed overview of the Battle of Gettysburg, with its own collection of dated facts. But a good read, to be sure.
December 7, 2013
Although the book is relatively old (1994, with the date missing in the book!), this is still the best of the books on Gettysburg that I have read. It is not too detailed, it tells a good story and it analyzes the reasoms for the outcome of the battle in better summary form than any other book on Gettysburg that I can think of.
May 19, 2009
If you love in depth information about the Battle of Gettysburg, this is a great read.
March 4, 2012
This book is very detailed about the battle of Gettysburg - troop movements, placements, and strategy. It gives very interesting insight about t he battle, but it may be a little Confederate heavy.
January 21, 2023
Tucker’s single volume study of the Battle of Gettysburg is often placed among the most important of these works, as it should be. While Sears and Trudeau are rightly cited as composing the best of the battle’s histories, Tucker offers something a bit different in what his book ultimately provides a student of Gettysburg.
When recommending introductory books to the novice, Sears still stands above all others. While Tucker’s work is a bit shorter, it would not be the book to recommend to one wanting to get a handle on the basic story. The primary reason is that Tucker assumes a working knowledge of the basic order of battle down to the brigade level. He begins right away in the use of last names only to note the various commanders, and his references to prior battles requires at least a basic knowledge to properly frame the value of the allusion.
More important, and where the book manifests it’s true value, Tucker’s work offers repeated assessments of the various decisions made on both sides. A reader who is familiar with the details of the battle and the perspectives shared by other authors and historians will read these assessments and naturally be draw to reflect and react to the prompts. Here is where Tucker’s Gettysburg study really carries weight.
In reviewing the command decisions and actions of various generals, Tucker’s offers plenty on Howard, Early, Longstreet, Hill, Hancock, and Ewell. He fills plenty of pages offering his take on Lee and Meade, though at times he seems to straddle the fence, especially on Meade. A close reading of Tucker will inevitable slow down the pace as I found myself constantly pausing to consider whether or not I agreed with him.
In line with his personnel assessments, Tucker closes with his list of why he believes Lee lost the battle (rather than why Meade won — saying something without actually saying it). The list is long, perhaps longer than a list like that should be, but his thoughts again provide thought-provoking assessments.
Tucker is a must read for anyone wanting to further their knowledge of Gettysburg. Much has been uncovered since he published his work, but his proximity to the battle and many of its veterans has value. To know is good; to contemplate is to better understand.
When recommending introductory books to the novice, Sears still stands above all others. While Tucker’s work is a bit shorter, it would not be the book to recommend to one wanting to get a handle on the basic story. The primary reason is that Tucker assumes a working knowledge of the basic order of battle down to the brigade level. He begins right away in the use of last names only to note the various commanders, and his references to prior battles requires at least a basic knowledge to properly frame the value of the allusion.
More important, and where the book manifests it’s true value, Tucker’s work offers repeated assessments of the various decisions made on both sides. A reader who is familiar with the details of the battle and the perspectives shared by other authors and historians will read these assessments and naturally be draw to reflect and react to the prompts. Here is where Tucker’s Gettysburg study really carries weight.
In reviewing the command decisions and actions of various generals, Tucker’s offers plenty on Howard, Early, Longstreet, Hill, Hancock, and Ewell. He fills plenty of pages offering his take on Lee and Meade, though at times he seems to straddle the fence, especially on Meade. A close reading of Tucker will inevitable slow down the pace as I found myself constantly pausing to consider whether or not I agreed with him.
In line with his personnel assessments, Tucker closes with his list of why he believes Lee lost the battle (rather than why Meade won — saying something without actually saying it). The list is long, perhaps longer than a list like that should be, but his thoughts again provide thought-provoking assessments.
Tucker is a must read for anyone wanting to further their knowledge of Gettysburg. Much has been uncovered since he published his work, but his proximity to the battle and many of its veterans has value. To know is good; to contemplate is to better understand.
March 23, 2025
Extremely well written and very informative. I have read close to twenty books on Gettysburg, both fiction and non-fiction, and this is likely the best non-fiction Gettysburg book I have read. It requires slow and diligent reading but well worth the effort.
I highly recommend to fans of Gettysburg and/or the Civil War.
I highly recommend to fans of Gettysburg and/or the Civil War.
April 17, 2019
A look at the Battle of Gettysburg written by someone with southern sympathies, this book examines all aspects of the battle. It details the turning point of the Civil War and describes how the south lost this battler and what that meant for the war.
November 18, 2017
A good introductory history of the battle, with prose-like narrative.
August 17, 2019
So biased to the South, I couldn’t finish it.
December 16, 2020
If you ignore Tucker's obvious bias and sympathies to the Confederacy this is still a very good account of the battle at Gettysburg.
June 8, 2022
Outstanding. One of the best Civil war books I have ever read. A classic!!
January 14, 2014
One of the problems with this book is that when originally written (1950s) the style for historical works wasn’t what you see today. It was okay to write things like “No army ever had more latent talent than the Army of Northern Virginia” without any reasoning. I am a bit surprised that there was ever a time when those sorts of blanket statements could be found in historical texts. I had a difficult time overlooking the style of writing. Tucker also spends an inordinate amount of time detailing who was riding where with whom and trying to set aright all sorts of Gettysburg Controversies.
for a full review http://ireadalotofbooks.com/
for a full review http://ireadalotofbooks.com/
June 16, 2022
I have been interested in Gettysburg since the fifth grade, which for me, was a long time ago. I remember an American Heritage publication that I got from the school library with lots of paintings, photographs and maps, along with plenty of text, going through the three day battle. This book goes into even more depth, with just maps and text … but what a text it is. You can practically see the smoke of the guns and hear the crack of the rifles across the fields and around boulders. This was a brilliantly written battle history. Five stars.
January 25, 2016
This is a very good book filled with enough information to cover an entire war. It is very hard to believe that all of this took place in one battle. Being out of school for quite some time, it was really interesting to get back to history and read about the most important battle of the Civil War and that it took place in my home state. This is a very detailed read that goes through every part of the Gettysburg Battle.
December 13, 2007
It's long and at times tough to get through. But I live near the battlefield, and the book's level of detail helps me understand the land and the battle on a deeper level.
June 21, 2013
awesome
900-999-geography-history
November 4, 2019973.7
December 22, 2014
Good book for someone just starting out on the battle of Gettysburg.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews