Beneath a Northern Sky: a Short History of the Gettysburg Campaign.

Beneath a Northern Sky: A Short History of the Gettysburg Campaign. By Steven E. Woodworth. The American Crisis Series: Books on the Civil War Era, no. 12. (Wilmington, Del.: SR Books, 2003. Pp. xvi, 241. Paper, $14.95, ISBN 0-8420-2933-8; cloth, $65.00, ISBN 0-8420-2932-X.)

Over the past twenty years there has been an unprecedented outpouring of historical works devoted to the Gettysburg campaign. Many of these volumes have focused on particular phases of the three-day engagement, such as the action along McPherson's Ridge and Confederate attempts to seize Culp's Hill or Little Round Top. Other books written about the battle might be considered niche studies and examine a wide range of topics including the civilian reaction to the carnage and the role of the medical department during the fighting. With such a deluge of recent material regarding this famous encounter, it is virtually impossible for a student of the battle to keep up with it all. Fortunately, Steven E. Woodworth has come to the rescue with a compact, well-written monograph appropriately titled Beneath a Northern Sky: A Short History of the Gettysburg Campaign. This book is designed to synthesize the voluminous body of literature currently available on the topic into a compelling and concise narrative that will satisfy both novice and logician.

In his sweeping chronicle, Woodworth utilizes the most recent scholarship on the battle emanating from historians such as Earl J. Hess, David G. Martin, Richard S. Shue, Harry W. Pfanz, and others. Woodworth does a masterful job of weaving these complex modern interpretations into a seamless overview. At the same time he neither discounts nor discards classic studies penned by participants such as E. Porter Alexander and Franklin Aretas Haskell. Woodworth also makes full use of earlier historical works written by well-known historians like Edwin B. Coddington and Freeman Cleaves. To further complement those sources, Woodworth has also mined a wealth of archival material, liberally quoting participants in order to present a rich and colorful narrative.

In a compact volume such as this, certain small details take on greater importance and meaning. Woodworth's relation of Confederate efforts to round up free blacks in Pennsylvania underscores southern contempt for a way of life that did not include the institution of slavery. His discussion of General Henry W. Slocum's reluctance to push forward reinforcements west and north of Gettysburg contrasts sharply with Richard S. Ewell's promptness in supporting A. P. Hill's attack against the First and Eleventh Corps. Slocum's indecision and Ewell's aggressiveness provide valuable insight into the prior success of Robert E. Lee's army. Woodworth also strives to assess the various tactical decisions that resulted in Confederate defeat, placing most of the blame upon Lee's subordinates, particularly James Longstreet.

Beneath a Northern Sky is illustrated with numerous photographs of the battlefield and portraits of important leaders. It also contains a host of colorful maps that enhance the reader's understanding of the action that took place in such notable locations as the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, and Cemetery Ridge. In all, readers will be pleased with this fast-paced narrative and regard it as an important resource in understanding one of the greatest battles in American history.

Slippery Rock University

DAVID DIXON