The Killer Angels.

THE KILLER ANGELS. Michael Shaara. 1974/2004. Read by Stephen Hoye. 11 cds. No time listed. Books on Tape. 1-4159-0021-2. $99.00. Vinyl; plot notes. SA*

This Civil War novel won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1974. The story centers on the Battle of Gettysburg and features a cast of real and fictional characters. The Killer Angels are the leaders of the opposing armies who lead their men in what they believed to be righteous causes. The story begins on the last days of June 1863 as the Rebel Army moves from Maryland to the outskirts of Gettysburg. In a cyclical, chronological manner, Shaara reveals the thoughts, discussions, and actions of the major players, including Lee, Longstreet, Meade, Chamberlain, Reynolds, and Hancock. The author describes the three days of battle vividly. He highlights the initial contact on July 1st, Joshua Chamberlain's bayonet charge of the 2nd, and, of course, the debacle known as Pickett's Charge of the third and final day.

This is history reported the way history should be taught. Narrator Hoye provides a fully voiced performance that captures the intensity of the events and reflects the personality of the characters. He handles accents and emotions well: as a crusty old, Irish sergeant; a contemplative, brooding field officer; or a naive, raw recruit. An outstanding audio. Prof. John E. Boyd, Jenkintown, PA

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.

*--The asterisk highlights exceptional books.