What do you think?
Rate this book
Witness to Gettysburg: Inside the Battle That Changed the Course of the Civil War
From the events that led to the clash at Gettysburg in July 1863 to the retreat of Robert E. Lee's defeated Confederates, Richard Wheeler uses the words of participants--both Northern and Southern--to bring one of the Civil War's bloodiest, most pivotal battles to life. Wheeler blends these compelling personal accounts into a startlingly vivid tapestry of war and a dramatic narrative that entertains as well as informs. This is eyewitness history at its best.
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1919
22 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Richard Wheeler
27 books3 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the 카지노싸이트 database with this name.
Richard "Dick" Wheeler was an accomplished military historian and served with the United States Marine Corp (Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division) during World War II. Wheeler participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima and was wounded there. He wrote seventeen military history books and served as a consultant on numerous movie and television productions. He passed away on October 21, 2008 at the age of 86.
There is more than one author in the 카지노싸이트 database with this name.
Richard "Dick" Wheeler was an accomplished military historian and served with the United States Marine Corp (Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, 5th Marine Division) during World War II. Wheeler participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima and was wounded there. He wrote seventeen military history books and served as a consultant on numerous movie and television productions. He passed away on October 21, 2008 at the age of 86.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 31, 2015
Even with the focus upon a single battle of the Civil War, this is a complex story to tell and Richard Wheeler set himself a difficult task by patching together his account using so many primary sources. Because of the number and range of those sources and the commitment that Wheeler dedicates to his method, that narrative is necessarily sometimes a bit haphazard. As a general rule, it's a very successful account of events, but from time to time the transition between, say, a young civilian girl in residence in the township of Gettysburg and the following account from, perhaps, a Southern general makes for a somewhat awkward transition, and those shifts in perspective can be a bit of a shock. Nonethless, having stitched together so many primary sources is a considerable accomplishment, and Wheeler's introductions and transitional text are smooth and workable. Being direct quotes from people with a range of education levels and speaking styles, the accounts themselves have the occasional grammatical irregularity, of course, but those changes and idiosyncrasies in the language are all the more valuable for their individuality.
Readers of Civil War history will recognize many of those primary sources from other texts and histories. Several are amongst the most famous in American history. Other accounts are from much more obscure or, at least, more common people. For those looking for a fuller, more comprehensive account of the battle of Gettysburg, the "common" accounts are the more valuable accounts. The perspective of Longstreet or Meade are well known components of the historical record, but the accounts of the occasional private soldier or civilian witness are much more compelling. Though Wheeler deals with both ends of the perspective, it read to me as if his focus was as much as possible on the accounts of ordinary people--as well it should be, given the number and availability of "big man" histories of the Civil War.
Readers of historical fiction will recognize many of the stories told in this history as well. I have no doubt this book was inspiration for Michael Shaara, Charles Frazier or John Jakes. I'm equally certain later civil war historians like Shelby Foote or James McPherson will have read this text. In some cases, they use similar source materials, or--in the case of the fiction authors--certain accounts are lifted nearly verbatim from the same sources used by Wheeler.
Where this book might leave some readers wanting is in the military tactics and battlefield strategy of the fight at Gettysburg. Though one can get a sense of those things from the stories and accounts in this text, it will require another book to get a "bird's eye view" of events. This is an up close and personal version of history. To see the pieces on the chessboard will require further reading. Nonetheless, this book serves as a primer for those looking for an introduction to the battle the serves as the high water mark of the Civil War, and as a re-enforcer to those who are already familiar with it. It and can be read by those in either category and all those in between.
Readers of Civil War history will recognize many of those primary sources from other texts and histories. Several are amongst the most famous in American history. Other accounts are from much more obscure or, at least, more common people. For those looking for a fuller, more comprehensive account of the battle of Gettysburg, the "common" accounts are the more valuable accounts. The perspective of Longstreet or Meade are well known components of the historical record, but the accounts of the occasional private soldier or civilian witness are much more compelling. Though Wheeler deals with both ends of the perspective, it read to me as if his focus was as much as possible on the accounts of ordinary people--as well it should be, given the number and availability of "big man" histories of the Civil War.
Readers of historical fiction will recognize many of the stories told in this history as well. I have no doubt this book was inspiration for Michael Shaara, Charles Frazier or John Jakes. I'm equally certain later civil war historians like Shelby Foote or James McPherson will have read this text. In some cases, they use similar source materials, or--in the case of the fiction authors--certain accounts are lifted nearly verbatim from the same sources used by Wheeler.
Where this book might leave some readers wanting is in the military tactics and battlefield strategy of the fight at Gettysburg. Though one can get a sense of those things from the stories and accounts in this text, it will require another book to get a "bird's eye view" of events. This is an up close and personal version of history. To see the pieces on the chessboard will require further reading. Nonetheless, this book serves as a primer for those looking for an introduction to the battle the serves as the high water mark of the Civil War, and as a re-enforcer to those who are already familiar with it. It and can be read by those in either category and all those in between.
July 8, 2021
This is Nonfiction covering the battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War. I liked the personal information the author gleaned to give this a 'front row seat' kind of feel. And I liked the historical view leading up to the battle. The author certainly had his ducks in a row.
Now with that being said, I liked that but this was entirely too long for me. And I think I'll do a little finger pointing here. The narrator didn't seem to work. I did love his southern accent though. Maybe the audiobook should have been done with that voice. I know. It wouldn't have worked, but I never minded the accent...not once. So 2.5 stars.
Now with that being said, I liked that but this was entirely too long for me. And I think I'll do a little finger pointing here. The narrator didn't seem to work. I did love his southern accent though. Maybe the audiobook should have been done with that voice. I know. It wouldn't have worked, but I never minded the accent...not once. So 2.5 stars.
November 23, 2019
You may know the story of the battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War, but you probably don’t know all this history. Author has woven together the individual recollections of soldiers from the battle, North and South, along with memories of the townspeople. In my reading of the war, I don’t normally think of the ordinary citizens in the towns. But here they are, taking care of the wounded, giving soldiers food, cowering in basements, spying from cupolas. My favorite odd memory is the dying soldier who requested to be brought his just shot-off leg and embraced it as he passed away. Good stuff!
November 12, 2017
Gettysburg was one massive pile poo that has many angles to cover. Mr. Wheeler does a great job at picking out stories along the way that add a more human perspective on the advance and in battle with a mix of historical research. I read this before visiting the park on the 150th anniversary and was very prepared to see the sights and feel what those written in this book must have felt. (In a 150 years later kinda way).
February 12, 2025
War is terrible! That's the message I took away from this audiobook. Also the minutiae of battle and warfare is a lot of waiting around, so much expense and so hard on the entire country. As I have visited Gettysburg and read extensively about the Civil War, I found this story fascinating. The narrator was terrific. Learned a lot and felt the war fully realized.
November 13, 2023
An interesting approach, extremely well done. Wheeler assembles well-written, firsthand accounts of the events leading up to Gettysburg, and the battle itself. Includes points of view of both armies and civilians. Well worth reading.
July 20, 2021
Collection of first-hand accounts of the Battle of Gettysburg.
November 12, 2023
A very detailed study based upon eyewitness accounts of the days immediately preceding as well as the three days of battle at Gettysburg in July 1863.
June 10, 2024
A solid narrative history of the preamble and course of the battle. Nothing earth shattering but the personal perspectives were innovative.
September 12, 2024
As the title suggests, this book is a telling of the campaign by those who participated or witnessed it. It has many period images and a couple of maps.
December 2, 2024
The sight, sounds, and smells of a nation at war with itself. Horrid and essential reading.
May 1, 2025
Interesting and fascinating firsthand accounts from both sides as well as civilian witnesses to the pivotal battle of the Civil War.
May 3, 2025
Strings together various sources and accounts into a easy and well paced narrative
June 24, 2014
When reading Witness to Gettysburg, don’t be surprised if you find that the book satisfies on a first reading, but doesn’t leave you with much to think about afterward. Author Richard Wheeler, who has written a number of historical studies, including four other books of Civil War history, clearly knows his stuff. The book is well-written; and, as the title indicates, Wheeler foregrounds the experience, perspective, and testimony of soldiers, officers, and eyewitnesses who were actually on those Pennsylvania fields during the great battle of July 1-3, 1863. The illustrations – maps and line drawings of the kind that one might have seen in Civil War-era publications like Harper’s Weekly, or in the Battles and Leaders of the Civil War series that was published in The Century magazine in the 1880’s – are comparably straightforward and serviceable.
What bothers me about this good book about Gettysburg, ultimately, is that it offers nothing that one could not get from many other good books about Gettysburg. Witness to Gettysburg takes one through the Pennsylvania Campaign and the Battle of Gettysburg, but not in a manner that is in any way exceptional. The extended use of quotations from the participants in the battle becomes, in a way, an excuse for refraining from interpretation of the battle – the decisions of its leaders, the actions of the armies on the corps and divisional and regimental level, the initiative taken by individual soldiers and officers on the field. The very best works dealing with Gettysburg, from Edwin Coddington’s The Gettysburg Campaign (1963) through Stephen Sears’s Gettysburg (2003), engage in that process of interpretation and synthesis. Wheeler’s Witness to Gettysburg does not. You may find it a useful recounting of the campaign and battle of Gettysburg, especially if you are not already strongly familiar with the topic; but the better you know Gettysburg, the more likely it is that you will finish this book with a feeling that the book is missing something.
What bothers me about this good book about Gettysburg, ultimately, is that it offers nothing that one could not get from many other good books about Gettysburg. Witness to Gettysburg takes one through the Pennsylvania Campaign and the Battle of Gettysburg, but not in a manner that is in any way exceptional. The extended use of quotations from the participants in the battle becomes, in a way, an excuse for refraining from interpretation of the battle – the decisions of its leaders, the actions of the armies on the corps and divisional and regimental level, the initiative taken by individual soldiers and officers on the field. The very best works dealing with Gettysburg, from Edwin Coddington’s The Gettysburg Campaign (1963) through Stephen Sears’s Gettysburg (2003), engage in that process of interpretation and synthesis. Wheeler’s Witness to Gettysburg does not. You may find it a useful recounting of the campaign and battle of Gettysburg, especially if you are not already strongly familiar with the topic; but the better you know Gettysburg, the more likely it is that you will finish this book with a feeling that the book is missing something.
November 8, 2009
On page ix, the author lays out the key feature of this book: "". . .I would like to point out that 'Witness to Gettysburg' attempts something new: a telling of the story. . .as largely as possible in the words of participants, both military and civilian, both male and female." A few years later, Time-Life published a book with a similar theme--Gettysburg from an up close and personal perspective.
Indeed, the approach does add a nice element to the book. The work begins with the two armies glaring at one another across the Rappahannock after the battle at Chancellorsville. The book traces the movements of both armies from there to Gettysburg. One matter of some concern to me: In a 20 chapter book, it takes until Chapter 11 before the battle at Gettysburg begins. While the early parts of the campaign are important to be aware of (e.g., Brandy Station, the rout of Milroy's "weary boys" in the Shenandoah Valley, etc.), it seems a bit odd that we don't really get to Gettysburg until half the chapters have been accounted for.
The personal viewpoint does add nicely to the telling of the story of the battle itself. While the battle is not depicted in as much detail as many other volumes, there is enough material to get a sense of what actually happened. From General John Buford's decision to have his cavalry stay and fight through John Reynolds' arrival to the second day's fighting, with, as the chapter title puts it, "a near thing at the Round Tops," and the aftermath of General Sickles' creation of a salient that was overwhelmed by Confederate General Longstreet's assault.
Then the third day and the gallant--but doomed--charge by Trimble's, Pettigrew's, and Pickett's forces.
All in all, a nice work, looking at the battle from participants' views. Some issues come up, as already noted, but--still--a decent book.
Indeed, the approach does add a nice element to the book. The work begins with the two armies glaring at one another across the Rappahannock after the battle at Chancellorsville. The book traces the movements of both armies from there to Gettysburg. One matter of some concern to me: In a 20 chapter book, it takes until Chapter 11 before the battle at Gettysburg begins. While the early parts of the campaign are important to be aware of (e.g., Brandy Station, the rout of Milroy's "weary boys" in the Shenandoah Valley, etc.), it seems a bit odd that we don't really get to Gettysburg until half the chapters have been accounted for.
The personal viewpoint does add nicely to the telling of the story of the battle itself. While the battle is not depicted in as much detail as many other volumes, there is enough material to get a sense of what actually happened. From General John Buford's decision to have his cavalry stay and fight through John Reynolds' arrival to the second day's fighting, with, as the chapter title puts it, "a near thing at the Round Tops," and the aftermath of General Sickles' creation of a salient that was overwhelmed by Confederate General Longstreet's assault.
Then the third day and the gallant--but doomed--charge by Trimble's, Pettigrew's, and Pickett's forces.
All in all, a nice work, looking at the battle from participants' views. Some issues come up, as already noted, but--still--a decent book.
Read
May 12, 2014 This book, written by Richard Wheeler, combines multiple accounts of soldiers from both sides who were the Battle of Gettysburg. I would give this book a 4/5 because it was very good in detail, but it was hard to read at times.
It starts off before the battle, at the battle of Brandy Station. Which was a major cavalry battle. It then goes into the strategies of a few of the most important generals at the battle. The first day of the battle has multiple accounts of confederate infantry, and union cavalry, who played a big role in the first day. It talks about how the Confederates took the town and killed a minister. After the first day, the union army had set up a defense on multiple hills in the shape of a fish hook. The union had the high ground in day 2 and 3. It goes into the battle at Little Round Top, Round Top, Culp's Hill, and many others. Culp's Hill was named after a Confederate private's uncle. The private was at the battle and was killed on Culp's Hill.
On the third day, it explains the reasons why Pickett's Charge, which is actually called Longstreet's Grand Assault after Confederate general Longstreet. It gives some of the theories behind what Robert E. Lee was thinking when he ordered that charge.
I would recommend this book to someone who is really interested in this subject. But not to someone who doesn't read a lot, because it can be a difficult book to read.
It starts off before the battle, at the battle of Brandy Station. Which was a major cavalry battle. It then goes into the strategies of a few of the most important generals at the battle. The first day of the battle has multiple accounts of confederate infantry, and union cavalry, who played a big role in the first day. It talks about how the Confederates took the town and killed a minister. After the first day, the union army had set up a defense on multiple hills in the shape of a fish hook. The union had the high ground in day 2 and 3. It goes into the battle at Little Round Top, Round Top, Culp's Hill, and many others. Culp's Hill was named after a Confederate private's uncle. The private was at the battle and was killed on Culp's Hill.
On the third day, it explains the reasons why Pickett's Charge, which is actually called Longstreet's Grand Assault after Confederate general Longstreet. It gives some of the theories behind what Robert E. Lee was thinking when he ordered that charge.
I would recommend this book to someone who is really interested in this subject. But not to someone who doesn't read a lot, because it can be a difficult book to read.
November 29, 2009
This book offers an interesting account of the Battle of Gettysburg as seen through the eyes of participants, both North & South, and civilian witnesses like towns folk and such. Not a detailed account of the battle but certianly a very easy to read and enjoyable (if you can say such about a terrible battle) story about this period of history. The use of first person accounts/recollections fits in with the historical narrative of the author which makes this book a pleasure to read.
January 5, 2015
Very interesting way to write an account of this well-covered battle. Readers gain a lot of insight by hearing the first-hand accounts and primary reference. I see that few people gave this book more than 3 stars. Having listened to the audiobook, rather than reading- maybe the right narrator who can switch voice in all of these diverse quotations, was the key to enjoying this great volume.
July 19, 2011
Nothing really outstanding about this book. The battle is so thoroughly covered that it would take something a bit out of the ordinary to pull that off. The book contains numerous full-page illustrations and maps.
August 29, 2011
The text is mainly drawn from the diaries, letters, and memoirs of participants, as well as newspaper and magazine articles of the time, thus letting the eyewitnesses tell the story. An excellent book in Wheeler's "Eyewitness" Civil War series
November 24, 2015
An interesting perspective on one of the most famous battles in history. Rather than a "blow by blow" description, Wheeler pieces together witness accounts. He is able to provide a unique angle, using both civilian and soldiers testimony.
I enjoyed this one! Recommended.
I enjoyed this one! Recommended.
January 6, 2010
Real eyewitness accounts of what the local residents experienced on that dreadful weekend in July 1863
Want to read
January 23, 2010Maybe
September 17, 2010
Listened to it on audiobook. The reader was too upbeat for the material, too matter of fact. Great historical value, though.
December 30, 2014
Well done using the words of those who were there. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Read
May 22, 2016It was okay, a bit boring at times, but not too bad. I liked it.
March 13, 2015
A nice overall account of the battle of Gettysburg based upon eyewitness accounts of soldiers and civilians. I enjoyed it!
August 9, 2016
Interesting firsthand accounts mixed with historical data. Enhanced my understanding
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.