THE KILLER ANGELS

New York: David McKay Company, Inc, 1974. First printing. Near fine in near-fine jacket.. First edition, review copy with publisher's slip laid in, of the surprise Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel recreating the Battle of Gettysburg. Drawing heavily from journal entries and letters to write convincingly from the perspective of major players in the famous Civil War battle, KILLER ANGELS achieved that rare, delicate balance of dramatic storytelling and factual reporting. It brought two of its most sympathetic characters, James Longstreet and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, into renewed popular awareness, but is also known for its compelling depiction of the everyday lives of soldiers. The book has had an immense influence on modern pop culture, particularly through the other creators it inspired: from Ken Burns in his famous documentary series on the Civil War to Joss Whedon in his science-fiction western television series FIREFLY. 8'' x 5.25''. Original blue paper boards patterned to look like quarter cloth, gilt-stamped spine. In original unclipped ($8.95) black dust jacket designed by Paul Bacon. Illustrated in black-and-white with various maps of the battle and terrain. [4], xx, 374 pages. Publisher's review slip, listing date of publication as September 6, 1974, laid in. Some foxing to top edge of text block. Jacket with a couple tiny spots of wear, one closed tear at rear fold, and a very small bit of laminate bubbling at top of joints.