Rating: 
Summary: The single most authoritative book
Review: This definitive work is a meticulous example of historic documentation and exposition useful for any historian regardless of their field of inquiry as an example of a perfectly structured book for scholar and casual reader. All you need know is this: Those studying to become Licensed Battlefield Guides, rather than reading 10 books on the campaign, read Coddington's book 10 times.
Rating:
Summary: Simply the BEST analytical history of the campaign.....
Review: This is my favorite "Gettysburg book". Coddington renders a thorough analytical tome on the campaign. I found the writing to be impartial and guided mostly by historical facts. Yes, in parts Coddington does give his opinion but that is clearly implied in the narrative.
I have the paperback edition and the maps are somewhat lacking in definition. Therefore, while reading have a Civil War Atlas handy. I found that this vastly increased my understanding and appreciation of the work.
This work, in my opinion, is the gold standard of the Gettysburg genre. Excellent work.
Rating: 
Summary: Standard Gettysburg book but not the best
Review: This is the standard book on the Gettysburg battle having been written in the early 1960s. It is also a very good book. But, it is not the best. In my opinion, Sears' and Trudea's books are better. As stated in the title, this book is a study in command. So, that is what it focuses on, the commanders of the battle, the different generals and how they responded. In the process, Coddington does a good job of covering the battle. However, at times, I find this book to be confusing, especially during the afternoon of July 2nd. In fact, in late 1980s when Pfanz' book on the 2nd day came out, it was refreshing because, to me, it provided some clarity around this confusion. Further, the book really doesn't get down to the regiment level of the battle like Sears and Trudeau do. Yes, the book covers the 20th Maine, and the 1st Minnesota, but that is about as far as it goes. There isn't good coverage of the regiments and brigades even that fought in the Wheatfield example (even the Irish Brigade and Caldwell's other brigades are not given good coverage). Nor is there good coverage of the attack of Weed's brigade and heroics of Paddy O'Rorke. Yes, this is a good book but not the best. Sears and Trudeau do a better job of coverage at the regiment and brigade level, and they are better organized. For a single book on the Gettysburg battle, I recommend either of them over Coddington (to determine which one see my evaluations of those books for more on their coverage).
Rating:
Summary: All around best Gettysburg analysis in every aspect
Review: This is the total package, complete description of the plotting and fighting from both viewpoints. Not a detail seems to be missed and not only are the tactics and the obvious aspects of the battle pointed out, but also the emotions behind the great leaders and the relationships that went on between the debating generals. Packed with more detail than you even want to know, you'll find yourself a more educated person on the Battle of Gettysburg.
Rating:
Summary: The definitive book about the Battle of Gettysburg
Review: When I visited Gettysburg Battlefield Park in 1993, I asked the manager of the giftshop at the Visitor's Center what book is the best detailed analysis of the Battle Of Gettysburg. She showed me this book and informed me that almost everything I wanted to know about the strategy and outcome of tactics of the battle would be in Edwin B. Coddington's book. She was correct. Coddington definitely did his homework when he wrote this book. Everything from the decisions of the Generals strategies to the formation and location of brigades, divisions, regiments and squads of both Union and Confederate troops. This has so much detailed that a person who reads this should read other books about the battle before reading this one. This is not for the casual reader, who would get very lost and possibly bored. This is for the reader who would like to know about unit placements, the strategy of General Robert E. Lee and General George Meade and the Generals below them. Highly recommeded to "arm chair" Generals and Strategests and those teaching military history.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent means to understand the whole of the battle
Review: While most books regarding Gettysburg focus on the three days of the battle, Coddington takes the time to review the entire campaign, helping to explain why the battle was fought where and when it was. His analysis of Lee's difficulties with his new command structure provide an excellent explanation of the consistent failures of the Army of Northern Virginia to take advantage of the slow Federal arrival at the battlefield and Meade's errors. In short, if you're looking for a comprehensive review of the Gettysburg Campaign and the Battle of Gettyburg accompanied with incisive analysis, try this book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: You won't find a flashy tale of Gettysburg. What you will find is a detailed study of the Gettysburg battle and the several weeks that surround the prelude and aftermath. It is presented in a very clear, easy to read format. There are no down in the ditch stories, so what you're left with is a blue print of troop movements, logistics, strategy choices, decisions, and repurcusions, some character studies and arguments against many of the classic what if scenarios.I think it serves your best interest to read a quick synopsis of the battle before tackling this book. Although I didn't find it as complex as a couple of others have noted, having a basic understanding of "the fish hook" and the major players involved (at least corps leaders) will make this a much easier read. The battle details are well done and not overly complex. The strength lies in the analysis of the decisions made during the campaign. In some cases they are big decisions, in other cases they are on a micro scale. In all cases, Coddington does an excellent job of injecting logic, based on the known facts, to put to rest many controversies. The maps are excellent, but as always with military books, just a few more would have helped make an even clearer picture. I see myself re-reading this book every year or so just to keep up with my facts and it will definitely accompany me when I visit the battlefield.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: You won't find a flashy tale of Gettysburg. What you will find is a detailed study of the Gettysburg battle and the several weeks that surround the prelude and aftermath. It is presented in a very clear, easy to read format. There are no down in the ditch stories, so what you're left with is a blue print of troop movements, logistics, strategy choices, decisions, and repurcusions, some character studies and arguments against many of the classic what if scenarios. I think it serves your best interest to read a quick synopsis of the battle before tackling this book. Although I didn't find it as complex as a couple of others have noted, having a basic understanding of "the fish hook" and the major players involved (at least corps leaders) will make this a much easier read. The battle details are well done and not overly complex. The strength lies in the analysis of the decisions made during the campaign. In some cases they are big decisions, in other cases they are on a micro scale. In all cases, Coddington does an excellent job of injecting logic, based on the known facts, to put to rest many controversies. The maps are excellent, but as always with military books, just a few more would have helped make an even clearer picture. I see myself re-reading this book every year or so just to keep up with my facts and it will definitely accompany me when I visit the battlefield.
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