Gettysburg: The True Account of Two Young Heroes in the Greatest Battle of the Civil War

Description

In the summer of 1863, General Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia advanced into Pennsylvania in a daring offensive to win the Civil War in a single campaign. They met the Union Army at a quiet crossroads town called Gettysburg and engaged in the greatest battle ever fought on American soil. Three days of combat ended on July 3 with Pickett's Charge, a heroic assault by nine of Lee's brigades against the Union defenses on Cemetery Ridge. Their repulse at the stone wall became known as the "high-water mark" of the Confederacy. At the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery that November, Lincoln used the occasion to deliver his Gettysburg Address, a short, two-minute speech that became the most famous in American history. In this original retelling of the Gettysburg story, Iain Martin draws upon firsthand accounts-from the generals to the lowly privates and civilians caught in the epic struggle. Readers will discover history through the experiences of two Gettysburg teenagers-Matilda "Tillie" Pierce and Daniel Skelly. Featuring the artwork of Don Troiani, photos, full-color maps, interesting tales, and trivia, Gettysburg: The True Account of Two Young Heroes in the Greatest Battle of the Civil War gives young readers a fascinating look into this great turning point of American history.

Iain C. Martin is a freelance writer and historian, with an MA in history from Southern Connecticut State University. He is author of numerous books, including The Greatest U.S. Marine Corps Stories Ever Told. This is his first book for young adults. He lives with his family in Connecticut.

"The author notes that his purpose and intention in writing yet another book on Gettysburg Battle is to provide an account that will both interest and educate younger readers. In this I believe he has succeeded admirably . . . Mr. Martin manages to provide both a clear description of the battle and incorporate lengthy accounts from his selected eye witnesses, plus an excellent choice of illustrations." -John Sloan "Martin writes in a straight-forward style that should be easily understood by young readers and novice history students. Of the many young adult books I have read, this is one of the best. It is well presented, informative history and offers much incentive for further study . . . It is the perfect volume to start your favorite young history buff on the road to discovering Civil War history." -Civil War News "With art by Civil War painter Don Troiani, lavish use of photographs and maps, and innovative page design, Gettysburg: The True Account of Two Young Heroes in the Greatest Battle of the Civil War is an effective vehicle to introduce young readers to the monumental saga that was Gettysburg." -James R. Hall, America's Civil War Magazine "The book delivers a balanced, detailed chronicle of the two armies' paths to Gettysburg; the battle itself; and its aftermath, including vivid quotes from a number of leaders and participants on both sides." -Booklist "[Martin] is objective about the conflicting war aims of the opposing sides and admiring of the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers in both armies. Period photos and highly detailed maps supplement the text." -School Library Journal "The author notes that his purpose and intention in writing yet another book on Gettysburg Battle is to provide an account that will both interest and educate younger readers. In this I believe he has succeeded admirably . . . Mr. Martin manages to provide both a clear description of the battle and incorporate lengthy accounts from his selected eye witnesses, plus an excellent choice of illustrations." -John Sloan "Martin writes in a straight-forward style that should be easily understood by young readers and novice history students. Of the many young adult books I have read, this is one of the best. It is well presented, informative history and offers much incentive for further study . . . It is the perfect volume to start your favorite young history buff on the road to discovering Civil War history." -Civil War News "With art by Civil War painter Don Troiani, lavish use of photographs and maps, and innovative page design, Gettysburg: The True Account of Two Young Heroes in the Greatest Battle of the Civil War is an effective vehicle to introduce young readers to the monumental saga that was Gettysburg." -James R. Hall, America's Civil War Magazine "The book delivers a balanced, detailed chronicle of the two armies' paths to Gettysburg; the battle itself; and its aftermath, including vivid quotes from a number of leaders and participants on both sides." -Booklist "[Martin] is objective about the conflicting war aims of the opposing sides and admiring of the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers in both armies. Period photos and highly detailed maps supplement the text." -School Library Journal