The Killer Angels

Set against the backdrop of the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, 'The Killer Angels' offers a gripping portrayal of the conflict from multiple perspectives. The book delves deep into the thoughts and motivations of key figures such as General Lee and Colonel Chamberlain, bringing their internal struggles and strategies to life. As the fate of the nation hangs in the balance, moral dilemmas and the harsh realities of war come to the forefront. Shaara's masterful storytelling immerses readers in the chaos and valor of battle, revealing the human cost of glory. Experience the clash of ideals and the complexities of honor in this powerful work of historical fiction.

By Michael Shaara

Published: 1996

"The brave men, living and dead, are those that struggled and sacrificed for the cause of freedom, for honor is in their blood and the fight for their beliefs never truly ends."

The Killer AngelsBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

“My favorite historical novel . . . a superb re-creation of the Battle of Gettysburg, but its real importance is its insight into what the war was about, and what it meant.”—James M. McPherson In the four most bloody and courageous days of our nation’s history, two armies fought for two conflicting dreams. One dreamed of freedom, the other of a way of life. Far more than rifles and bullets were carried into battle. There were memories. There were promises. There was love. And far more than men fell on those Pennsylvania fields. Bright futures, untested innocence, and pristine beauty were also the casualties of war. Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize–winning masterpiece is unique, sweeping, unforgettable—the dramatic story of the battleground for America’s destiny.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from The Killer Angels

About the Author

M

Michael Shaara

Michael Shaara (1928-1988) was an acclaimed American author best known for his historical fiction, particularly his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, 'The Killer Angels' (1974), which offers a vivid and immersive portrayal of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. Shaara's writing style is characterized by its rich character development, insightful dialogue, and a profound sense of the emotional and moral complexities faced by individuals in times of conflict. In addition to 'The Killer Angels,' he authored notable works such as 'The Broken Place' and 'Gods and Generals,' the latter serving as a prequel to his most famous work. Shaara's ability to blend historical detail with compelling narrative has left a lasting impact on the genre of historical literature.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Michael Shaara
Published
May 1996
Publisher
Ballantine Books
ISBN
034540727X
Language
English
Pages
369
Genres
Historical FictionAmerican HistoryHistoryFiction

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

A History of the WifeBook binding

A History of the Wife

Marilyn Yalom

QuicksilverBook binding

Quicksilver

Neal Stephenson

The Celestine ProphecyBook binding

The Celestine Prophecy

James Redfield

Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?Book binding

Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?

Raymond Carver

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)Book binding

A Brief History of Everything (20th Anniversary Edition)

Ken Wilber

Death's EndBook binding

Death's End

Cixin Liu

Hardcore HistoryBook binding

Hardcore History

Dan Carlin

Across the FenceBook binding

Across the Fence

John Stryker Meyer

The Act of CreationBook binding

The Act of Creation

Arthur Koestler

A People's History of the United StatesBook binding

A People's History of the United States

Howard Zinn

Barbarian DaysBook binding

Barbarian Days

William Finnegan

History of the WorldBook binding

History of the World

John Morris Roberts

The Idea of Decline in Western HistoryBook binding

The Idea of Decline in Western History

Arthur Herman

I Am LegendBook binding

I Am Legend

Richard Matheson

The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)Book binding

The Nickel Boys (Winner 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction)

Colson Whitehead

American SpyBook binding

American Spy

Lauren Wilkinson

Gone TomorrowBook binding

Gone Tomorrow

Lee Child

The Great BelieversBook binding

The Great Believers

Rebecca Makkai

The Origins and History of ConsciousnessBook binding

The Origins and History of Consciousness

Erich Neumann

Dear LoverBook binding

Dear Lover

David Deida

Lenin's TombBook binding

Lenin's Tomb

David Remnick

A Short History of Financial EuphoriaBook binding

A Short History of Financial Euphoria

John Kenneth Galbraith

Growth IQBook binding

Growth IQ

Tiffani Bova

The ChillBook binding

The Chill

Scott Carson

Rookie Yearbook FourBook binding

Rookie Yearbook Four

Tavi Gevinson

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Ron Conway's Book Recommendations

Ron Conway's Book Recommendations

Ron Conway is an American angel investor and philanthropist, often referred to as the “Godfather of Silicon Valley” for his early investments in companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter. As the founder of SV Angel, Conway has backed hundreds of startups and played a key role in the growth of the tech industry. He is known for his extensive network and ability to connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. In addition to his work in tech, Conway is involved in philanthropy, particularly in areas like education and public health. His contributions to both Silicon Valley and charitable causes have earned him widespread recognition.

View Collection
Julian Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Julian Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Julian Shapiro is a renowned writer and entrepreneur, acclaimed for his insightful essays on personal growth and marketing strategies. He is the author of "The Julian Shapiro Collection," a compilation of his most impactful writings that have garnered a wide readership online. Shapiro co-founded the growth marketing agency Bell Curve, where he has helped numerous startups achieve exponential growth. His work often blends practical advice with deep philosophical inquiries, making complex subjects accessible to a broad audience. Through his prolific writing and entrepreneurial ventures, Julian has become a key figure in the intersection of business and self-improvement literature.

View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.

View Collection
Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations

Ray Dalio's Book Recommendations

Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest and most successful hedge funds in the world. He is also the author of the bestselling book Principles, where he outlines his philosophy on life, leadership, and investing. Ray is renowned for his unique approach to transparency, radical truth, and thoughtful disagreement within organizations. His insights into economics and investing have made him one of the most influential figures in the financial world. Dalio continues to be a thought leader in business, economics, and philanthropy.

View Collection
Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

View Collection
Sophie Bakalar's Book Recommendations

Sophie Bakalar's Book Recommendations

Sophie Bakalar is a distinguished author and venture capitalist known for her adept storytelling and insightful exploration of contemporary issues. Her debut novel received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and societal dynamics. In addition to her literary achievements, Bakalar is a co-founder of a successful venture firm, where she leverages her keen understanding of market trends and innovation. Her essays and articles, often featured in prominent publications, reflect her deep engagement with cultural and technological shifts. Bakalar's multifaceted career bridges the worlds of literature and entrepreneurship, making her a unique voice in both fields.

View Collection
Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson's Book Recommendations

Mark Manson is a best-selling author and personal development expert known for his candid and no-nonsense approach to self-help. His most notable work, "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages, resonating with readers for its practical advice and irreverent tone. Manson followed up with another successful book, "Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope," which further cemented his reputation as a thought leader in modern existentialism. In addition to his books, he runs a popular blog that delves into topics ranging from happiness to personal growth. His work has not only transformed the self-help genre but also influenced a global audience seeking authentic and actionable guidance.

View Collection
David Sabatini's Book Recommendations

David Sabatini's Book Recommendations

David Sabatini is a renowned cell biologist whose pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of cell growth and metabolism. He is best known for his discovery of the mTOR pathway, a critical regulator of cell growth, which has implications in cancer, diabetes, and aging. Sabatini has authored numerous influential papers, contributing extensively to the field of molecular biology. He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research. Sabatini's work continues to inspire and drive forward research in cellular and molecular biology.

View Collection
Samantha Wong's Book Recommendations

Samantha Wong's Book Recommendations

Samantha Wong is a celebrated author known for her evocative novels that delve into the complexities of human relationships and cultural identity. Her debut novel, "Whispers of the Forgotten," won the prestigious Man Booker Prize, establishing her as a formidable voice in contemporary literature. Wong's work often explores the intersection of tradition and modernity, drawing from her rich heritage as a second-generation immigrant. In addition to her novels, she has published numerous essays in leading literary journals, earning acclaim for her insightful commentary on social issues. Wong continues to inspire readers worldwide with her poignant storytelling and profound understanding of the human condition.

View Collection
James Mattis's Book Recommendations

James Mattis's Book Recommendations

James Mattis is a retired United States Marine Corps general and former Secretary of Defense, serving under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019. Mattis is known for his military leadership during the Iraq War and his command of U.S. Central Command, where he oversaw operations in the Middle East. He is widely respected for his intellectual rigor, strategic thinking, and emphasis on military ethics. After retiring from the military, Mattis has written books, including Call Sign Chaos, reflecting on his leadership experiences. His career has made him a highly regarded figure in both military and civilian leadership circles.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection

The brave men, living and dead, are those that struggled and sacrificed for the cause of freedom, for honor is in their blood and the fight for their beliefs never truly ends.

The Killer Angels

By Michael Shaara

Frequently Asked Questions