While researching my post, Gettysburg Ghosts, I happened upon this book on Amazon. It’s an older publication. The print book was released in 1991, the Kindle version in 2012. However, the information contained is still relevant.
Over the years, I’ve purchased several non-fiction books that I use for research. With most of them, I only read the parts I need. Not so with this book. I read it cover-to-cover and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Blurb:
The print version of this first volume in the “Ghosts of Gettysburg” book series was released in October 1991, and established Gettysburg as the mecca for all thrill-seekers. Combining history and mystery, in this initial volume, Mr. Nesbitt focuses on the early ghost-lore of Gettysburg, along with some more current ghostly happenings. Included are the timeless stories of the woman in white, the surgeons of Old Dorm, the ghosts of Devil’s Den, the Blue Boy, and other infamous spectres who wander the town and battlefields of Gettysburg.
Mr. Nesbitt started collecting ghost stories as a visitor to Gettysburg in the early 1960s. In the 1970s, he worked as a Park Ranger at Gettysburg National Military Park and was assigned to live in some of the historic houses on the Park. His collection of ghost stories continued to grow. After “Ghosts of Gettysburg” was released, he was inundated by letters and faxes from those who had had their own ghostly experiences while visiting Gettysburg.
Mr. Nesbitt refers to Gettysburg as “acre for acre the most haunted place in America.” Seven “Ghosts of Gettysburg” volumes would appear to support his theory!
My Five-Star Review:
I’ve long since been interested in Civil War History as well as stories of “hauntings” surrounding many of the battlefield areas. Having seen several TV specials about Gettysburg ghosts, I decided to purchase a copy of this book.
I like the author’s no-nonsense approach to the stories. He didn’t use a lot of hype or sensationalism in telling the stories. Nesbitt includes the history of the place in which each sighting occurred, which I enjoyed.
If you like Civil War history and want to hear non-sensationalized stories of the paranormal, this book is for you. I will be reading more of this series.
A note about ratings. I consider three stars and above as positive reviews. I reserve five stars for books that keep me turning the pages and that I would read again. (Yes, I’ve been known to do that.)
5 Stars: Awesome story! Couldn’t put it down – Highly recommend.
4 Stars: The book kept me interested – Check it out.
3 Stars: It was okay. Not my favorite, but I didn’t dislike it enough to discontinue.
2 Stars: Book didn’t hold my interest, problems with the plot, characters, poor writing, etc.
1 Star: Don’t bother!
14 Responses
Fun research, Joan. Sounds like a interesting and fun read.
I enjoyed the stories. The author has written more in this series. I’ll probably read some of them as well.
This research sounds like it was great fun, Joan. Thanks for sharing your review 🙂
Thanks, Harmony. I’m learning to enjoy research. LOL
I really do like the sound of this book, Joan. I am very keen on real ghost stories and sightings.
They are interesting. I enjoy the stories behind the sightings.
I think I might have this book. I’m going to have to look through my collection on Civil War but it sounds really familiar. Excellent review. I love books like this!
He’s written some other volumes also. I plan to purchase another one to read sometime in the future.
This sounds like a very good book. I’d love the history as much as the rest.
I enjoyed that part of it also. I like history and there was a lot contained in the pages of this book.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book, Joan! It sounds fascinating!
I enjoyed reading it. Needed a refresher since it’s been a few years since I visted Gettysburg and couldn’t remember a lot of things.
I have a few friends that are interested in Gettysburg ghosts. A well written book is a great way to learn history.
This one had lots of historical aspects. I really enjoyed it.