The Long Road to Gettysburg

I have lived near Civil War country all my life but knew very little about the battle. All the generals, regiments, and the troop movements made my eyes glaze over. I chose to read The Long Road to Gettysburg to help fill in the holes in my history of the landmark battle. And it was a good choice.

The author, Jim Murphy chose two men, one Confederate and one Union, and wove the story of the Battle of Gettysburg through their war journals. The first hand account of these two teens allowed the battle to become clearer in my eyes than focusing on the thousands of men who fought here. The narrative is enhanced by old photos, clear maps, and drawings of the battle.

The Long Road to Gettysburg is not lengthy and was written for youth but I found it a profitable introduction of the battle for an adult. The book begins and ends at the dedication of the soldier's cemetery, tying in the famous speech by Abraham Lincoln now known as the Gettysburg Address.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants a well written non-overwhelming account of Gettysburg.