Gettysburg’s Peach Orchard

Longstreet, Sickles, and the Bloody Fight for the “Commanding Ground” Along the Emmitsburg Road

By: James A. Hessler, Britt C. Isenberg

Narrated by: Bob Neufeld

Licensed battlefield guide James Hessler has produced the most deeply-researched, full-length biography to appear on this remarkable American icon. No individual who fought at Gettysburg was more controversial, both personally and professionally, than Major General Daniel E. Sickles. By 1863, Sickles was notorious as a disgraced former Congressman who murdered his wife’s lover on the streets of Washington and used America’s first temporary insanity defense to escape justice. With his political career in ruins, Sickles used his connections with President Lincoln to obtain a prominent command in the Army of the Potomac’s Third Corps - despite having no military experience. At Gettysburg, he openly disobeyed orders in one of the most controversial decisions in military history.

Hessler’s critically acclaimed biography is a balanced and entertaining account of Sickles colorful life. Civil War enthusiasts who want to understand General Sickles’ scandalous life, Gettysburg’s battlefield strategies, the in-fighting within the Army of the Potomac, and the development of today’s National Park will find Sickles at Gettysburg it is a must-listen.

©2019 Savas Beatie (P)2021 Savas Beatie

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The authors have provided yet more facts and some judgements about this enormous, multi-day battle that were new to even me, having read dozens of other works about the battle (I recommend Searle’s “Gettysburg”), the strategies, the leaders, the soldiers, and the heroes and the heels. For instance. Thomas Sickles has whole new dimensions only hinted at by other authors, although he really is one leader who grossly mis-interpreted his orders and thereby altered the entire outcome of the battle inadvertently! There are other gems to be found, too.

All-in-all, if you only have time for one book of this era, this is not the one. Better choices would be Searls’s, Guelzo’s bio of Lee or the massive 5-volume bio, Chernow’s Grant bio (I love everything Chernow has written), or the exciting and highly entertaining “Stonewall.”

I do not know if it was the narrator or the technical recording, but something it is out of focus and not the high calibre I am used to from Audible

Excellent Read

I thoroughly enjoyed “reading” The Peach Orchard. This was my first audible book and won’t be my last. The authors presented an outstanding work.

A Gettysburg essential book!

Hessler and Isenberg knock it out of the park with this collaboration of knowledge. Superb information regarding the engagement at the Peach Orchard and direct facts from boots on the field during the battle for that ground on the 2nd day at Gettysburg. You won't be disappointed! Read it!

Incredible

One of the best books I’ve had the privilege of listening to. The narration is top tier, and though the book itself has some pacing issues and can be difficult to follow at times, it is thorough (to the best of my knowledge). A deep understanding of the day is required to truly appreciate every nuance of this book, one I don’t possess. Multiple listens are required to fully grasp the minute details that are included. Can’t wait to listen again, this book has been my bedtime listening routine for awhile and I look forward to it most evenings.

Exceptional Book

For students of the Gettysburg Campaign, it may sometimes seem every topic has been exhausted. But this book makes a compelling case why the Peach Orchard deserves greater attention. And it does so with an understandable narrative that is thoroughly researched and detailed.
Every Civil War book on Audible is at a disadvantage because one may not have ready access to maps while listening and it’s difficult to keep all the action straight in your mind without them. And while I know that viewing maps would have helped, I was too engrossed in the story as I listened to worry about it.
The question of whether Daniel Sickles’s decision to occupy the Peach Orchard on Day 2 was a blunder is not at straightforward as I thought before this book.
And if you want to know what Sickles was thinking on Day 2 this is the book. Actually this book gives you what just about everyone was thinking who was involved in the Peach Orchard.
But as recommended as this book is for those thoroughly immersed in Gettysburg, I’d recommend it more so for those who are still somewhat new to the subject. Gettysburg is a sometimes intimidating subject for beginners. It’s a sprawling and complex subject. Gettysburg’s Peach Orchard is accessible and compelling for those who are looking to better understand the campaign but don’t know where to go after reading any of the many introductory overviews that are out there.