The Killer Angels

by Michael Shaara
The Killer Angels cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 8839
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9780345407276
  • Publisher: Ballantine Books
  • Published: 1996-05-28
  • Reviews: 3

Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Killer Angels, is a sweeping and unforgettable depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most pivotal moments in American history. The story is told through the perspectives of key figures on both sides of the conflict, offering a nuanced and humanizing portrayal of the war that shaped the nation. More than just a recounting of battles and strategies, The Killer Angels delves into the personal motivations, memories, and dreams of the soldiers. It explores the ideals and beliefs that drove them to fight, making it a profound exploration of the human experience during a time of great upheaval. The novel's impact is such that it inspired the acclaimed film Gettysburg and has become a staple in historical fiction, with over three million copies in print.

Reviews
Reddit - r/CIVILWAR · 2025-03-25
compelling 4.00

This book is heavily based in fact and offers a compelling historical fiction experience. Readers find it engaging and well-researched.

On Reddit, readers discuss how well 'The Killer Angels' captures the actual events of the Civil War. Many appreciate the book's heavy basis in fact, making it a compelling historical fiction experience. They find it engaging and well-researched, with a particular focus on the moods and emotions of the main characters. The discussion highlights the book's ability to draw readers into the historical moments, making it a powerful and memorable read. The community praises the novel for its brilliant writing and its ability to inspire a deeper understanding of the battle and its significance.

Quick quotes

    I'm about 320 pages into the book and I'm loving it. I understand that the book is historical fiction, but it seems heavily based in fact.

    The book's ability to draw readers into the historical moments is particularly noteworthy.

    This novel is praised for its brilliant writing and its ability to inspire a deeper understanding of the battle and its significance.

Cleveland Civil War Roundtable · 2021-01-15
masterpiece 4.50

This book is a unique and sweeping masterpiece that captures the essence of the Civil War. It is unforgettable and offers a dramatic re-creation of a pivotal moment in American history.

The Cleveland Civil War Roundtable praises 'The Killer Angels' as a masterpiece that stands out for its unique and sweeping narrative. They highlight its ability to capture the dramatic and unforgettable aspects of the Civil War, making it a must-read for anyone interested in this period. The book's talent for recreating the time and circumstances is particularly noteworthy, effortlessly placing the reader in the midst of the action. This novel is not just a historical account but a deeply engaging story that resonates with readers long after they finish it.

Quick quotes

    Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece is unique, sweeping, unforgettable—the dramatic story of the battleground for America's destiny.

    It is an outstanding read on a variety of levels, not least in its talent for recreating the time and circumstances.

    The Killer Angels is unique, sweeping, unforgettable—a dramatic re-creation of the battleground for America's destiny.

Regarp · 2015-07-19
outstanding 4.50

This novel excels in its ability to recreate the time and circumstances, effortlessly placing the reader in the historical context. It is an outstanding read on multiple levels.

Regarp highlights 'The Killer Angels' as an outstanding read that excels in its ability to recreate the time and circumstances of the Civil War. They appreciate how the novel effortlessly places the reader in the historical context, making it a deeply immersive experience. The reviewer also notes the book's talent for capturing the moods and emotions of the main characters, which adds a layer of depth to the narrative. This novel is praised for its brilliant writing and well-crafted storytelling, making it a standout in historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    It is an outstanding read on a variety of levels, not least in its talent for recreating the time and circumstances.

    The book's talent for capturing the moods and emotions of the main characters is particularly noteworthy.

    This novel is praised for its brilliant writing and well-crafted storytelling.

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