Harry W. Pfanz (1921–2015)

I have read Harry Pfanz' book "Gettysburg: The First Day" and loved it, so was wondering how he would do on "Day 2" of Gettysburg. Well, "Gettysburg: The Second Day" is an even better book. I said on his "Gettysburg: The First Day" that it was the definitive book on that days battle, and this book is undoubtedly the definitive book on Day 2 of Gettysburg. Pfanz is unbiased (unlike many Civil War historians) on his assessments of the various military leaders and their actions. He makes every chapter interesting and makes it easy to follow the actions he describes. It is another long book (about 600 pages) and wonderfully detailed, but it does not seem overwhelming at all. I almost didn't want the book to end. And again it has great maps (as I've said, that can make or break a book). Pfanz wrote one more book about Gettysburg ("Culp's Hill & Cemetery Hill") before he passed away, and I will certainly read that soon. Another must for those interested in Civil War history.… (mehr)

In Gettysburg: Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill historian Harry W. Pfanz discusses in detail a part of the battle of Gettysburg which gets little attention.

Possibly the most important area of fighting on July 2nd and 3rd, Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill are little known to the average person. There was no dramatic charge or movie worthy desperation on the defenders part. Yet, the fighting was critical in holding the right on the Union line and Confederate charges cost the Rebels dear. There was also extensive in-town fighting and nighttime fighting, situations not commonly seen in Civil War battles.

This title was a library discard for me, so I wasn't able to read Pfanz's other accounts of the battle. I thought this portion of the series was well written and relatively easy to follow along with. As with most battlefield accounts, I wish there were more maps and I did find some of the writing a little disjointed. The photos and personal stories of soldiers who participated in these battles were great though. The little vignettes really made some of the men come alive and helped me to better understand some of their decision making.

Overall, I recommend this title to those who have a strong interest in the battle of Gettysburg and want to know a little more about events not commonly talked about.… (mehr)