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 C. 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, original photos, full-color maps, interesting tales, and trivia, Gettysburg gives young readers a fascinating look into this great turning point of American history-and just in time for the 150th anniversary of the epic battle.
"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."
James R. Hall, America's Civil War Magazine
"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."
