Phillip Thomas Tucker, Ph.D., is a New York Times-lauded historian and award-winning author of more than 40 books in multiple fields of history. He has published numerous books that have taken a fresh "New Look" at key events and crucial turning point moments in American history. Tucker has long focused on breaking new ground in the field of Civil War history, especially the all-important Battle of Gettysburg. The author's books are regularly featured as selections of the History Book Club and the Military Book Club. America's leading experts and authorities have long praised Tucker's "New Look" books for their ground-breaking contributions in multiple fields of American history.
Phillip Thomas Tucker, Ph.D.’s most recent ground-breaking work, The Irish at Gettysburg (History Press), reconsiders one of the Civil War’s emblematic battles from the unique perspective of the Irish-descended and Irish-born soldiers of both sides who fought there with courage and distinction from July 1 to July 3, 1863. Most importantly, this is the first book that has explored in detail the untold story of the Irish on both sides during the most important battle of the Civil War.
These men of Irish heritage made up the bulwark of General Robert E. Lee’s troops of the Army of Northern Virginia and engaged in hard-fought, high attrition efforts--the tactical offensive--during all three days of combat. They were also well represented in the Union ranks and resolutely defended against the most crucial breakthrough during Pickett’s Charge, which was the Confederacy’s “high-water mark” during the four-year conflict. Here, the Irish of Pickett's Virginia Division met the Irish of the Philadelphia Brigade during the bloody showdown at the "high-water mark."
Weakened by heavy artillery fire, the hard-fighting regiments of the Irish Brigade were able to muster a charge that temporarily halted a concerted Confederate attack that threatened to outflank and overwhelm a weak link in the Union line. Just before this charge, Father William Corby, the inspirational brigade chaplain, stood on a rocky outcropping as the men of the Irish Brigade knelt and provided general absolution, before they entered the raging battle. Today, an impressive statue of Father Corby at Gettysburg pays an appropriate tribute to this spiritual contribution that fueled the combat prowess of the Irish Brigade on July 2.
The legacy of the Irish Brigade is also still reflected in the Irish Brigade Monument at Gettysburg, which features a granite base and Celtic cross and stands nearly 20 feet tall. Dedicated in 1888 and sculpted by an Irish Confederate veteran who fought at Gettysburg, the sculpture also features a full-sized Irish wolfhound, which represents the honor and fidelity of the Irish soldiers.
All in all, Tucker's The Irish at Gettysburg has presented a fresh "New Look" view to illuminate the important roles played by the Irish on both sides during the bloody three days of the most crucial battle of the Civil War--a valuable and important book.
