The Last Full Measure

More about the book

In the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, Michael Shaara crafted a remarkable Civil War narrative. His son, Jeff Shaara, continued this legacy with a bestselling prequel, and now completes the father-son trilogy, vividly depicting the final two years of the Civil War. As the story unfolds after Gettysburg, the war enters its third brutal year, revealing a widening rift between Washington's politicians and the generals on the ground. The Union Army, in dire need of decisive leadership, finds hope when Lincoln appoints Ulysses S. Grant to command, shifting the war's momentum. For Robert E. Lee, the aftermath of Gettysburg is devastating, worsened by the loss of Stonewall Jackson. Aware that the South cannot endure a war of attrition, Lee, supported by his devoted generals—Longstreet, Hill, and Stuart—resolves to fight relentlessly. The narrative also follows Joshua Chamberlain, the Union hero from Gettysburg, who rises to prominence during the war. Through intense battles, Shaara explores the complex relationship between Lee and Grant—two heroic yet troubled figures. From the Battle of the Wilderness to the siege of Petersburg and Lee's surrender at Appomattox, the novel captures the heart and soul of those who gave their all in this historic conflict, serving as a powerful conclusion to the trilogy.