Author
Michael Shaara
Birth Date
June 23, 1928
(59 Years)
Death Date
May 5, 1988
Associated Country
United States
Michael Shaara (1928–1988) was an American author best known for his historical fiction, particularly his vivid portrayal of the American Civil War. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, he was the son of Italian immigrants. Before becoming a full-time writer, Shaara served in the U.S. Army and later taught English and creative writing, including at Florida State University.
Shaara achieved lasting fame with his novel The Killer Angels (1974), a dramatized account of the Battle of Gettysburg. The book was widely praised for its humanized depiction of historical figures and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1975. Though he wrote other works, including science fiction and literary novels, The Killer Angels remains his most influential and widely read book.
After his death, his son, Jeff Shaara, continued writing historical novels that expanded on Civil War themes, helping to carry on his father’s literary legacy. Michael Shaara is remembered for bringing history to life through compelling characters and careful research, making him a key figure in American historical fiction.
Shaara achieved lasting fame with his novel The Killer Angels (1974), a dramatized account of the Battle of Gettysburg. The book was widely praised for its humanized depiction of historical figures and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1975. Though he wrote other works, including science fiction and literary novels, The Killer Angels remains his most influential and widely read book.
After his death, his son, Jeff Shaara, continued writing historical novels that expanded on Civil War themes, helping to carry on his father’s literary legacy. Michael Shaara is remembered for bringing history to life through compelling characters and careful research, making him a key figure in American historical fiction.
Books
The Herald 2013
There were no air raid sirens. No missiles or bombs. No mushroom clouds. No panic in the streets. The end, when it came, was like nothing we ever expected.
First hit was a small Gulf Coast city....
For Love of the Game 1997
Billy Chapel is a baseball legend, after seventeen season a sure Hall of Famer. He is a man who has retained the endearing qualities of youth, a man who has devoted his life to the game he loves and...
The Killer Angels 1987
In the four most bloody and courageous days of our nation’s history, two armies fought for two conflicting dreams. One dreamed of freedom, the other of a way of life. Far more than rifles and bullets...