The Killer Angels
...It is told in from a third person omniscient point of view with the main character rotating each chapter. The book covers a four-day period covering the Battle of Gettysburg and gives insight to each side of the fight (Union and Confederate).
The book begins on Monday, June 29, 1863 and provides an introduction to the circumstances directly before fighting begins. A spy named Harrison, hired by Longstreet comes back to the Confederate camp and alerts General Lee of the proximity of the Federal troops. Both Lee and Longstreet, another Confederate general, adopt an untrustworthy attitude toward the spy. After dismissing Harrison, the two discuss the news that Harrison has brought, along with Stuart's absence, and the report that Meade has replaced Hooker as the Union general. The information brought by Harrison is magnified in its importance because Stuart has left the Confederate army "blind" with the lack of his information. After careful consideration, General Lee decides to march for the town of Gettysburg where he will attempt to gash the Union troops.
On the Union side of the battle, we are introduced to Colonel Chamberlain, who commands the 20th Maine Regiment. As Chamberlain, younger brother Tom, and fatherly aide Kilrain lead the regiment, the colonel is presented with a dilemma. The army has dumped one hundred and twenty mutinous Maine men in his lap, with orders to shoot any man who refuses to fight. Chamberlain is faced with the task of convincing the tortured men to follow him and he approaches using utmost kindness and respect for the men. Chamberlain delivers an emotional and moving speech that convinces the vast majority of the men to join his regiment, nearly doubling his manpower. Meanwhile, fellow Union commander John Buford stumbles upon Confederate troops who, he is told is heading for the town of Gettysburg. Buford immediately sends...
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