History of The Battle of Gettysburg

[Gene C]

Full title - American Heritage History of the Battle of Gettysburg by Craig L Symonds

A little over 300 pages of text written in 2001. Photographs, paintings, or illustrations on almost every page. Good maps showing each days battle plans.

This is a good summary on the Battle of Gettysburg. The author was objective in commenting on the battle, mistakes were made on both sides, and both Lee and Meade were handicapped by poor communication during the battle. The North seemed to do a better job of the placement of their artillery (especially on the third day of the battle) and hitting their targets than the South did. This had a devastating effect on the Southern army's grand assault on Union forces during the third day of the battle, with tragic losses to George Pickett's division.

The failure of Meade to capture Lee's army following the battle is explained fairly well. Lincoln may have been a little unrealistic in his expectations of Meade following the battle. Lee a bit unrealistic in his faith in his troops and generals ability, but his retreat was well planned with some good luck.

This book is a good introduction for the reader who is not very familiar with the Battle of Gettysburg
A nice, affordable book.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Heritage...ks&sr=1-29