"... last November, I finally found the book that could safely guide me across Gettysburg all by itself... 'The Complete Gettysburg Guide.' At last, the one book I'd take to Gettysburg if I could only take one book. It's got everything - walking tours, driving tours, battle maps, monuments and battlefield lore. In a way, Petruzzi's new book is too good, pointing out all those cool rock carvings, dinosaur fossils and other hidden battlefield stuff some of us had to spend years to find. If you see me on the battlefield, I'll let you take a look at my copy."

“The Complete Gettysburg Guide is one of the most valuable and comprehensive guides of America’s largest and bloodiest battlefield. It will prove useful and interesting to both students of the battle and novices just beginning their tramps over the fields of Gettysburg.”

—	Eric A. Campbell, Gettysburg National Military Park Ranger-Historian

"The Complete Gettysburg Guide has something for everyone, whether they are a serious student of the battle or visiting the battlefield for the first time.   The easy-to-understand guidebook not only provides readers with a comprehensive history of the battle, but also enables visitors to see some of the unusual or often overlooked features the National Park has to offer.  Further, the accompanying images and well-researched maps bring the 3-day struggle to life for the modern battlefield traveler.”

"As many reviews of this book have noted, using the word "complete" in a book title naturally throws up red flags for readers. The Complete Gettysburg Guide is one of those rare titles which live up to the high aspirations set by such an audacious title. Many Gettysburg books are tours of the battlefield action only. Co-contributors Petruzzi and Stanley have joined forces to provide readers with a book which delves deeper into this most famous of Civil War battlefields.

J. David Petruzzi is by now well-known among both Gettysburg and Civil War enthusiasts, co-authoring books on J.E.B. Stuart's ride to Gettysburg and the Confederate retreat after the battle with Eric Wittenberg. He is a long-time Gettysburg enthusiast who has visited the battlefield numerous times, making him a well-suited candidate to write this type of in depth tour guide title.

Steven Stanley, the cartographer/photographer for this the book, is equally well-suited to the task. He lives in Gettysburg, has had his maps appear in America's Civil War and Hallowed Ground magazines, and has been a student of the Civil War his entire adult life.

The Complete Gettysburg Guide is a hefty book for its size, well made and designed to last divided up into various tours, allowing the purchaser to decide which tours they want to take on a given trip to the battlefield. In addition to the usual battlefield tours, of which there are six in this volume, Petruzzi and Stanley also offer tours of the town itself, two cemeteries, the field hospitals erected after the battle and (my personal favorite) a tour of the rock carvings present on the battlefield. This last tour offers readers the opportunity to explore a feature of the battlefield rarely seen by the general public.

Each tour offers standard text penned by Petruzzi, tour directions on a green background, numerous maps, photos, and illustrations, and "Did You Know?" tidbits offering fascinating facts pertaining to each specific tour. The main text goes into the proper amount of detail, keeping veteran Gettysburg students interested while effectively introducing the battle to those new to the subject. The book is gorgeously laid out, with the maps and illustrations adding to the value of the book both aesthetically and by complementing the main text with more information. Tour maps show modern roads and mark out each tour stop with a circle. Maps showing troops movements include scale, different colors for the opposing armies, and lines of elevation. Steven Stanley's photos show the battlefield today from a variety of angles and in all seasons…

The Complete Gettysburg Guide is sure to please Gettysburg battlefield trampers and others interested in the Battle of Gettysburg, including everything associated with that massive and devastating event. The book goes beyond the battlefield, offering tours of other topics such as field hospitals, cemeteries, and the town of Gettysburg. Future authors of books in the Civil War tour guide genre would do well to emulate the format used in this book. This book truly is as "complete" as anyone touring the battlefield and surrounding areas could realistically want. Highly recommended! ”

"I own several Gettysburg tours, both in print and in audio format. In my opinion this is the best of those done in a printed format. Not only is there a first class treatment of the three days battle, there are also tours of the Marsh Creek skirmish as well as the battles of Hunterstown and Fairfield. If you're fortunate enough to spend several days in Gettysburg there are also tours of the town, Soldier's National Cemetery, Battlefield rock carvings, and hospital sites to take in. The maps and photography of Steve Stanley in addition to the text and driving instructions make this a "must have" reference for anyone ranging from the average tourist to the most seasoned battlefield enthusiast..”

" I am quickly becoming a fan of J. David Petruzzi. The Complete Gettysburg Guide is his best so far. I am a serious student of the battle and this book has put everything you need to know in one easy to read volume. It gives the reader much information, while being very entertaining at the same time.
 
I can't wait to bring this book with me on my next trip. It will be my guide to Evergreen and the Soldiers’ cemetery, and finding the field hospitals is something I've always wanted to do. Now this guide book will make these adventures informative and exciting.

Mr. Petruzzi also puts a special emphasis on the cavalry actions in and around Gettysburg. If you too are a student of Cavalry operations this guide should satisfy your thirst.

The book lives up to the title.
 
Thumbs up!”

"I recently spent a weekend in Gettysburg with a fellow Civil Warrior and this book. The book was invaluable and the best thing we did in connection with the trip. We spent Friday afternoon doing the July 1 tour, Saturday on July 2-3, and Sunday doing the visitor center, East Cavalry Field, and Hunterstown.

I really appreciated the excellent maps and the insights into a number of locations that I never would have known without this guide, aside from reading about them in books. For example, seeing where Brinkerhoff's Ridge was and how it fit in was instructive, and other highlights that were a bit off the beaten path included Willoughby's Run, Pegram's deployment in the Chambersburg Pike, site of the opening shot, finally finding Iverson's attack, Pitzer's Woods, Big Round Top and Farnsworth's charge sites, the stone wall where Benning's men took cover while attacking the Devil's Den area, the Brickyard Fight in the town, and Benner's Hill. I've been to Gettysburg several times over a 20-year period but have never seen the real battlefield in depth like this. This book provides a great service to Gettysburg scholarship.”

"This is a helluva book to take with you to Gettysburg...there are so many great things to experience while driving through the tours. I love the cemetery tour and tours of lesser known facets of the battle. To read and look around while seeing these sites looks to be quite interesting. I am going to Gettysburg Labor Day weekend and can't wait to use this. Even if you are not headed to Gettysburg right now pick this up...well worth the price tag...nice coffee table book... ”

" I first visited Gettysburg 36 years ago when I was 10 years old and wish I had access to a book like this back then. The maps, the photos, and the narrative are clear and concise and very well done. What I love about this book is the message of getting out of your vehicle and walking the ground where the fighting took place. Too many visit Gettysburg without walking the fields but this book will entice folks to get out of the car and wander the field.

Highly recommended and you won't be disappointed. ”

" Like many folks bitten by the "Civil War Bug," I was first introduced to the War Between the States on a family vacation to Gettysburg. I fondly recalled that life-altering weekend in a piece I wrote titled "Birth of a Buff" and have since then waxed the poetic on subsequent returns to Adams County in my adult years. As both a historian and longtime resident of Fredericksburg surrounded by four major battlefields, I am clearly spoiled when it comes to Hallowed Grounds. However, none of them have managed to touch me in the way that Gettysburg's battlefield does. Simply put, I love giving tours here in Virginia, but I really love taking them in Pennsylvania.

What is it about Gettysburg that makes it so special? Maybe it was because I first walked its wheat fields and rocky hills at the impressionable age of 7, or maybe it's because the town hasn't changed all that much since I first traveled there in 1978. Perhaps it is the legacy of the battle itself, truly an epic engagement on so many levels that favored both the North and South at different times and ultimately changed the entire course of the war. Maybe it's the feeling one has when they go there. Who is not touched by the tragedy that took place there in July of 1863 and who can ignore the beauty of this magnificent place that has been preserved for all generations? This is why millions of people travel to Gettysburg each and every year.

Many of these "stompers" have their own way of exploring Civil War battlefields. Some use the officially sanctioned audio-driving tours, while others bring books, photographs and sketches to use as reference. I have always used a combination and I also enjoy walking the trails with the licensed guides and National Park Service folks whose insights are often far beyond that of any pre-packaged materials. Unfortunately there was never a "one one-size-fits-all guide," a concise and dynamic tool that appealed to the die-hard enthusiast and the casual observer. With all of these choices nothing was developed that would satisfy the inquisitive expert searching for that hard-to-find spot, as well as the family of four looking for a nice way to spend an afternoon.

That is until now.

Fortunately for people in both camps, a new book is finally available that will fulfill both of their desires. Even better, it was developed by two of the best in the business. Noted historian and author J. David Petruzzi has teamed up with Civil War cartographer Steven Stanley to produce the "THE COMPLETE GETTYSBURG GUIDE: Walking and Driving Tours of the Battlefield, Town, Cemeteries, Field Hospital Sites, and other Topics of Historical Interest." This book is already my pick for the Best of 2009.

Tremendously detailed, up-to-date, and beautifully designed, this newly released Savas-Beatie title includes walking and driving tours of the battlefield, town, cemeteries, hospital sites, monuments and obscure places that are often missed by the mainstream tours. A gifted writer, Petruzzi's narrative tells the entire story of the battle and Stanley's tasteful use of photography and maps compliment it perfectly. Not only does this guide outline a great tour of the grounds, it also tells the reader how they fit into the battle and why they matter. By using this guide you won't only have a better appreciation for the National Military Park at Gettysburg, you'll walk away with a better understanding of what transpired there.

I firmly believe that it won't be long before "THE COMPLETE GETTYSBURG GUIDE" will become a must-have extension of the entire Gettysburg Tour experience. It's as enjoyable to look at as the Cyclorama, as informative as the NPS Tour, and as easy to understand as the Electric Map. I cannot wait to take my copy back to Adams County and walk the grounds in a completely new and exciting way. For those of you who have never been to Gettysburg, now it the time to go as this new book will make your inaugural visit even more enjoyable, and for those of us who are regulars, this book is a great excuse to go back and share in a brand new experience. "

" This is the definitive Gettysburg battlefield guide. It not only gives you much more information than is possible to garner from other Park Service written or audio sources, but continues to do so after you leave the field. It is an invaluable reference work for students of the battle. Highly recommended for anyone contemplating a trip to Gettysburg, and wanting excellent planning advice. "

" 'The Complete Gettysburg Guide' is a really fascinating book on the Battle and Battlefield of Gettysburg. The beautiful full color maps really help to understand the ebb and flow of this horrific battle. The pictures that are in color add much to the book also and their are some really nice pictures of various monuments at the battlefield. I especially liked the views of the Virginia monument and the Irish Brigade monument. The text is also well written and gives plenty of eyewitness accounts. The trivia that is contained is really fascinating. The tour of the cemeteries adds much to the story. I have always found it interesting that an ancestor of President Richard Nixon died at the battle, this is pointed out in the text. Even a Baseball Hall of Famer is buried in Evergreen cemetery as is also pointed out.

The maps on Pickett's Charge were just excellent. The map that shows the locations of the artillery is just excellent. Also the maps that show the fighting on the 2nd day really help you understand the battle. Petruzzi's accounts of the various cavalry actions are also a definite highlight to the book. He speaks with authority and a reader will learn of other more obscure cavalry actions and not only the famous stand by John Buford and the East Cavalry Battlefield. All major and minor parts of the battle are covered with the excellent text and the maps by Stanley are some of the best ever done on the battle of Gettysburg. This book will make the battle come to life from your living room or if you are actually tramping the now beautiful battlefield itself.

I really think Petruzzi and Stanley have outdone themselves this time and I recommend this book to all Gettysburg, American Civil War, and Military History buffs and historians. "

" The title of the book delivers all it promises. It takes you not only to the battlefield but to some of the seldom-seen and out-of-the-way areas. I especially liked the chapters on locations of the various hospitals and the little known cavalry actions. J.D. Petruzzi's text gives just the right amount of detail without being overwhelming to novices, and Steve Stanley's maps are the best anywhere. It is indispensable whether you are a beginner or long time student of the battle. I cannot imagine going back to Gettysburg and not using this book out on the field. "

"I went to Gettysburg last month with my two college age sons. It was my third visit to the battlefield.
Needless to say, I purchased a nice CD-Audio from the NPS gift shop which was very good. BUT...I wish that I had a copy of this book BEFORE I made the recent trip.

I am only about 50 pages into it and it makes me feel like I only absorbed about 10% of the battlefield experience. This book makes the battle come alive. You can stand on McPherson's Ridge and imagine the Confederates moving down the slope towards you. You can imagine the cannon fire of the batteries that moved into position on day 1 to ward off the oncoming Rebel forces!

I can't wait till my return next year with my boys with this book in my backpack!

This Gettysburg guide is worth more than any audio tape you can buy! DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!! "

"If you are going to Gettysburg, this is the only book you need. Awesome book."

" The Complete Gettysburg Guide" by J. David Petruzzi (text) and Steven Stanley (maps) pretty well lives up to its name -- it covers the Battle of Gettysburg in considerable detail, not just the battle itself, but also peripheral matters such as the town itself, the field hospitals used after the battle, related fights at Hunterstown and Fairfiled, and even rock carvings (and dinosaur footprints!) to be found on the Battlefield. The maps are highly detailed, but clear and easy to follow. And the text gives a comprehensive view of the battle.

Obviously, this is a volume that would prove valuable in driving or walking across the Gettysburg Battlefield, but it is also evident that it is more than that: this is a volume which deserves a permanent spot on the bookshelves of Civil War enthusiasts as a ready reference to the battle. Numerous photographs, mostly modern but some contemporary, illustrate the text, beyond the glorious profusion of detailed topographical maps. "

" There are more than 1,000 books that have been written on the Battle of Gettysburg, the majority (including my three) in the past 20-30 years. Yet, there remains a strong market for new material on the battle and campaign, or for fresh, creative approaches to present and interpret well-known, time honored material. Pennsylvania Civil War authors J. David Petruzzi and Steven Stanley have succeeded on both counts with their excellent new book, The Complete Gettysburg Guide.

Blending some of the best maps and color graphics ever seen in a Gettysburg battlefield guidebook with crisp, concise and enjoyable text, Stanley and Petruzzi have generated what will surely come to be regarded as the ultimate Gettysburg overview and guide. Already scores of battlefield trampers have used this book to help them interpret what happened on the hallowed grounds of the Gettysburg National Military Park, as well as some obscure sites outside the park limits that the authors include in their well crafted series of automobile tours of the area.

Gettysburg resident Steve Stanley's excellent maps have graced several books and publications in the past decade, and he has become regarding as one of the finest graphic artists / cartographers in the Civil War industry today. This book may be his penultimate achievement, as the scores of color maps that dot this book bring the troop movements, terrain, linear obstacles such as fences and stone walls, and road network to life in a fashion that is both highly readable and very accurate, as accurate as can be interpreted nearly 150 years after the guns fell silent. Primary text writer J. D. Petruzzi has co-written two previous books on the Gettysburg Campaign, one on the movements of Stuart's cavalry and one on the retreat to Virginia following Gettysburg. Now, in perhaps his finest effort to date, he fills in what happened during the battle and its immediate prelude and postlude.

The focal point of The Complete Gettysburg Guide is a series of automobile tours not only of the battlefield proper, but perhaps more importantly, the authors break new ground by including sites in the town of Gettysburg itself, as well as nearby field hospitals of the various corps of the two warring armies. Tours include several seldom visited cemeteries that played a role in the campaign, and some rather obscure sites associated with the skirmishing of June 26 and the cavalry fights at Hunterstown, Brinkerhoff's Ridge, and Fairfield.

The title is self-encompassing -- this truly is the COMPLETE Gettysburg Guide, as there are few areas of significant historical interest within the immediate Gettysburg area that Petruzzi and Stanley have missed. It is likely that for most Gettysburg buffs, this book will soon become dog-eared and worn from lots of field use, as, while it's outstanding reading sitting by the fireplace, it's destined to find its most valuable usage as a field guide, meant to be carried along while touring or tramping Gettysburg's fields and roadways. Buy two copies - one to keep as a reference book at home, and one to stash in the car or SUV for those road trips.

Published by Savas Beatie of El Dorado Hills, California, The Complete Gettysburg Guide is the one book to buy this summer on the Gettysburg Campaign. "

"When visiting Gettysburg, I usually have to decide which book(s) to bring along with me.
I think the decision will be far easier now that The Complete Gettysburg Guide has been published.
This book's scope and wealth of information is amazing. Little known (or unknown) facets of this battle are presented in an easy to understand format.

The maps are magnificently rendered, detailed, and lo and behold, there are enough of them to adequately help explain the story the authors expertly tell.

Walking and driving tours should fill the bill for both the first-time visitor as well as the student who wants to learn about and visit new areas of this, at times, confusing and complicated battle.

Gettysburg books have sprouted forth in great profusion of late, but this Petruzzi/Stanley guide is a keeper. It should not be read and then put away on a bookshelf, but it should be utilized as it was intended -- as a bring-it-with-you, easy to use reference to both old and new parts of this battlefield. "

 “J. David Petruzzi and Steven Stanley's The Complete Gettysburg Guide is the definitive reference book for anyone planning to visit the Gettysburg battlefield.”

—	Matthew Seelinger, Chief Historian, U.S. Army Historical Foundation

“J. David Petruzzi and master cartographer/photographer Steve Stanley have combined forces to produce the finest single volume tour guide to the Battle of Gettysburg yet published. In addition to the battlefield itself, they have included tours of actions that occurred before the main battle, hospital sites, Evergreen Cemetery, the National Cemetery, a town tour of Gettysburg, and much more. This is a book that every student of Gettysburg, whether novice or expert, must have. It is simply a tour de force.”

—	Eric J. Wittenberg, co-author of Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg (2006) and One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, July 4-14, 1863 (2008)

 “Think you’ve seen everything at Gettysburg? Once you start reading The Complete Gettysburg Guide you will quickly realize how much more there is to see and do once you finish the standard battlefield tour. This comprehensive and easy to follow guide includes a concise narrative, full-color original maps, and modern and historic photos. Battle enthusiasts will, of course, enjoy reading about everything from General Lee’s movements into Pennsylvania to the myth of Jeb Stuart’s role on July 3. But the real pleasure comes from discovering all of those seldom-visited corners of the battlefield, field hospitals, grave sites, rock carvings, and even the car dealership of Baseball Hall of Famer Eddie Plank. Even the most devoted Gettysburg students will admit to finding something new here.”