Editor’s note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Public Library highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by their staff.
In August this year Cary Library hosted a presentation by the author of “Turning the Tide At Gettysburg, How Maine Saved the Nation.” Jerry R. Desmond is a Maine native, ever so engaging and knowledgeable. He allowed there are more Desmonds than people in Island Falls where he still has extended family members.
The gathering that evening was treated to detailed maps of the battles, anecdotal information on many soldiers from this area who fought those three days of slaughter, strategy and monumental importance to the Union of the United States.
One of the starting points of Mr. Desmond’s talk was this quote by Gen. Geo. E. Pickett who replied when someone asked him why the Confederates lost that day, “ I think the Yankees had something to do with it.” And many of those Yankees were from Maine- about 3,700 of tough, brave young men.
Wonderful pictures of monuments are included in “A Driving Tour of Maine Monuments at Gettysburg” with many details to aid getting here and there, plus why the stones were placed in certain areas.
Top Ten listed: “Books about the Civil War,” “Books about Gettysburg,” Books about Maine During the Civil War,” “Reference Books,” and the ones the author read over and over are
listed in the back pages. It is neat to notice some were written and published in the 1800s.
This book and many other commentaries are available at Cary Library- enjoy.
The Cary Public Library is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 532-1302.
