This story about the four-day series of events and battles that surrounded and comprised The Battle of Gettysburg in his 1974 novel, The Killer Angels. The story represents both the views of the North and the South, and commands the reader's understanding and empathy toward each of the characters and views regarding the Civil War. Shaara's portrayal of the war leaves tension, conflict, trials, victory and defeat. The book is divided into four main sections, and within each section, the action is divided into chapters that represent each character's view of the events.

Part 1 takes place on Monday, June 29th, 1863 and covers the events leading up to the battle. James Longstreet's hired spy, Harrison, reports that not only are Union forces are pursuing the Confederates into Pennsylvania, but that President Lincoln has recently fired General Hooker and replaced him with General Meade. This news is bad to the Lee's forces, because Jeb Stuart's cavalry scouts have left them blind to the enemy's movements. When Longstreet tells the news to General Robert E. Lee, Lee tells them to get to Gettysburg in hope of destroying Union

Part three takes place on Thursday, and describes more battle. Fremantle describes his theory on the cause of the Civil War. Longstreet attacks the Union's left flank, which is defended by Chamberlain at Little Round Top, and Longstreet is defeated. Stuart finally arrives and is punished for his desertion, but Lee now decides to attempt a final attack on the middle of the Union line.

Part two takes place on Wednesday, July 1st, 1863, and describes the first day of battle. Lee first deals with civil matters of stealing and raiding by ordering his men to give back what they have taken from the local poeple. He then speaks with Longstreet to discuss the decision that the South could get no help from Europe, and the two disagree on how to handle General Meade's approaching army. Their conversation is interrupted with no warning, as they hear gunshots that lets them know that Hill has marched on Buford's defenses in Gettysburg. Heth's soldiers suffers heavy losses before they figure out that Buford's forces are not mere militia, but organized Union soldiers. Buford considers retreat, but his reinforcements arrive with Reynolds, who gets killed shortly after repla

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Approximate Word count = 792
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)