The Last Full Measure
A historical novel about the final years of the American Civil War, the confrontation between Grant and Lee, and the human cost and political consequences of war.
The Last Full Measure is a historical novel by American author Jeff Shaara, depicting the final phase of the American Civil War, from the aftermath of Gettysburg in 1863 to the collapse of the Confederacy in 1865. It concludes the trilogy comprising Gods and Generals, The Killer Angels, and The Last Full Measure, continuing the story begun by the author's father, Michael Shaara.
At the heart of the novel are Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee, opposing commanders whose decisions shape the war's final and bloodiest years. Through their military strategies, personal doubts, and relationships with their officers, Shaara reconstructs major campaigns, political circumstances, and the psychological toll of prolonged conflict. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain also plays a significant role, offering a perspective shaped by direct experience on the battlefield.
Combining documented historical events with imaginative portrayals of historical figures, Shaara explores the conflict between military duty, political conviction, and individual conscience. The novel emphasizes the human tragedy of war and the difficulties of national reconciliation. Its narrative culminates in Lee's surrender at Appomattox, raising questions about the future of a reunited United States.
One copy is available
