Reviews

Stars in Their Courses: The Gettysburg Campaign, June-July 1863 by Shelby Foote

briandice's review against another edition

5.0

Every bit as fantastic as the first time I read it when working my way through the full three volumes of Foote's masterpiece. More thoughts when I can do more than type on my phone.

pattieod's review against another edition

5.0

I re-read this book every year on the July 4 holiday, to remember what happened in Gettysburg during the first three days of July not that long ago.

I don't like war and get bored with scholarly histories, and yet Foote lays it all out with such beauty and economy of language that you can't help but be swept along.

beccagomezfarrell's review against another edition

5.0

This was the first of three books that I read on Gettysburg prior to my trip there a few weeks ago. It was a very engaging retelling of the battle's events. Sure, I had to reread a few passages to keep track of who was who but I've never minded that. I've read and enjoyed the Silmarillion after all. My one complaint, not enough wrap up of the lasting effects afterwards but that's not the book's fault. It's only an excerpt of a larger work that I'm just going to have to track down and read as well.

steves_reading's review against another edition

5.0

Foote includes enough detail and background to flesh out the story of Gettysburg without going overboard with historical minutiae. I want to read his whole history now, but after listening to Foote read his own work, I'm afraid it might be a letdown.

theeverglow17's review against another edition

5.0

I've read several reviews that equate this book to a novel. That is very accurate, which makes it an accessible book to anyone... whether they are just learning about the battle of Gettysburg or are well versed about it. Shelby Foote wrote with a unique and charming style; bringing the historical figures to life as well as the sobering reality of the Gettysburg Campaign. I would recommend this book to anyone.

doowopapocalypse's review against another edition

3.0

Very decent read, but a clear focus on the confederate side of things.

bowienerd_82's review against another edition

3.0

Watching Ken Burns' Civil War documentary left me with some curiosity about Shelby Foote's writing, so I decided on a quick into with this one.

I have to admit to some disappointment. I didn't find his writing style as engaging as his oratory and I found the occasional casual racism fairly off putting.