United States - 19th Century - Civil War - History, United States - State & Local History
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Overview
In July of 1863, the two great armies of the Union and the Confederacy met on the fields outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in a battle that would turn the tide of the Civil War. In July of 1988, 14,000 people from all walks of life gathered near these same fields on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the battle. They came to reenact the famous confrontation - to live history. Their goal was not to glorify the battle, but to learn from it.In The Battle of Gettysburg, talented photojournalist Neil Johnson illustrates the dramatic story of the conflict with black-and-white photographs from the reenactment. His Author's Note gives details of the reenactment, itself a fascinating story. The text is a stirring account of the actual battle, beginning with the events that led up to the Confedefrate invasion of Pennsylvania.
Text recounts the historic Civil War battle at Gettysburg and photographs capture a reenactment of that encounter, performed in 1988 in honor of the 125th anniversary.
Editorials
School Library Journal
Gr 5-9-- Johnson's text is a good introduction to General Lee's attempt at invading the North, and his description of each day's action is clear and concise. His retelling of the legendary Pickett's Charge is a wonderful account for those unfamiliar with the tale. The photographs, taken at the 125th reenactment of the Battle in 1988, are good, but seem to fall into the ever-increasing controversial area of ``recreating'' history rather than just reporting it. There are none of Matthew Brady's famous photos of the battle's aftermath or of the famous participants (such as Lee, Meade, or Pickett); these photos feature ``actors'' playing these parts. This approach makes it possible to show the action of the battle, although some of the participants seem to be enjoying themselves a bit too much. Johnson's opening essay on the reenactment is interesting, certainly unique. As long as readers keep in mind that these are reenactment photos (stated on the jacket illustration), the book can be recommended as a good first look at Gettysburg and the important action that took place there. --Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TNBook Details
Published
September 30, 1989
Publisher
New York : Four Winds Press, c1989.
Pages
64
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780027478310