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Book Reviews These are some reviews from a recent issue of
The Civil War News:
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Alternate Gettysburgs.
Edited by Brian Thomsen and Martin H. Greenberg.
Softcover, 342 pp., 2002. The Berkley Publishing Group, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014, $6.99 plus shipping.
What if? What if the Army of Northern Virginia won the battle of Gettysburg? What if Gen. James Longstreet successfully halted Pickett’s Charge before the costly repulse? What if Gen. J. E. B. Stuart reached the rear of the Union lines as Pickett’s Charge reached its crescendo? Many Civil War enthusiasts ponder these ques-tions. As the battle of Gettysburg is the central focus for so many, this battle under-standably receives the most speculation. Alternate Gettysburgs, as the title suggests, caters to those interested in short stories, fiction, and speculation. Alternate Gettysburgs draws on the tal-ents of 11 authors who address specific topics pertaining to the battle of Gettysburg. Topics range from individual actions by the common soldier to grand movements such as Pickett’s Charge. Also included is the original delivered text of the Gettysburg Address and a number of essays that frame the battle in the larger social and political spectrum of the time. While the authors are talented and bring thought and interest to their assigned stories, few have any prior experience writing or studying the Civil War. The stories appear in no particular order and fail, when combined, to present an overall chronological story of the battle. Prior knowledge of the battle will as-sist the reader and aid in understanding the author’s particular point of view or theory. Those unfamiliar with the battle will find themselves lost and confused from the start. Ranging between six and 40 pages in length, most stories are too short to offer the depth and background necessary to provide and cultivate interest. Factual, historical events that shaped a country deserve more than a passing glance and require greater depth if they are to ultimately encourage the speculative thought this book feeds upon and is being marketed for. Speculating on alternative actions during the battle of Gettysburg is a common pastime for many, if not most, Civil War buffs. This reviewer is no different from the rest. Alternate Gettysburgs, however, will do little for those interested in fiction or speculation. If faced with the choice between fact and fiction written here, choose fact, it is more satisfying.
by John S. Benson
John S. Benson is a student at the Civil War Institute, and appears in the Civil War play "A House Divided." He is an Assistant District Attorney in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
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