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Jeff Shaara

New York Times-bestselling author of historical and military fiction

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Jeff Shaara speaks at Kent State University
  • About Jeff Shaara

    Jeff Shaara is the New York Times-bestselling author of Gods and Generals and The Last Full Measure—two novels that complete the Civil War trilogy begun by his father, Michael Shaara, with the Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Killer Angels. His World War II series includes The Final StormNo Less Than Victory, The Steel Wave, and The Rising Tide. Shaara has also written To the Last Man, The Glorious CauseRise to Rebellion, and Gone for Soldiers. In 2012, Shaara returned to the Civil War with A Blaze of Glory, followed by A Chain of Thunder, The Smoke at Dawn, and The Fateful Lightning—all New York Times bestsellers.

    In  The Frozen Hours, Shaara brings readers to the front lines of the Korean War and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Through researching memoirs, collections of letters, and diaries Shaara takes on the voices of the generals, the foot soldiers, and even of the Chinese commander, bringing to life the events of the battle through the eyes of the characters.

    His latest books, To Wake the Giant and The Eagle’s Claw, are part of a gripping new series set in World War II’s Pacific theater. Shaara tackles a well-known story and creates a well-researched and evenhanded portrayal of the events that changed the direction of the Pacific War.

    Each of his carefully researched books bring to the page a new way to experience military fiction driven by engrossing historical characters. In his engaging lectures, both in-person and virtually, Shaara details the attention and research it takes to write his critically acclaimed works.

    A descendant of Italian immigrants, Shaara was born in 1952 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and graduated from Florida State University with a degree in criminology. He lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

  • Speaking Topics

    History Through Storytelling

    In this engaging lecture, Jeff Shaara discusses his work writing historical fiction, and the intense research needed to bring to life each and every historically-based character.

  • Video

  • Praise for Jeff Shaara

    Praise for The Eagle’s Claw

    Compelling . . . Shaara deftly digs into the minds of the major players . . . Shaara writes a well-researched and evenhanded portrayal of the event that changed the direction of the Pacific War.

    Kirkus Reviews

    Praise for To Wake the Giant

    The run-up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor . . . is depicted in a thrilling you-are-there re-creation. . . . Fans of military fiction will find much to enjoy.

    Publishers Weekly

    Praise for The Frozen Hours

    Gripping, precisely detailed historical fiction… great military fiction… marvelously effective storytelling.

    Booklist (starred review)

    Praise for The Fateful Lightning

    Outstanding…Shaara combines his extensive knowledge of military history with his consummate skill as a storyteller to vivify [Sherman’s March to the Sea]…The Union and Confederate strategies, tactics, and points of view are both represented, providing a measure of balance and clarity to a campaign that is often viewed through a lopsided lens. By concentrating on the western theater throughout this series, Shaara has opened a welcome literary window to some of the less familiar Civil War battles and campaigns.

    Booklist

    Powerful and emotional . . . highly recommended.

    Historical Novels Review

    A great accomplishment and a more than fitting conclusion to Shaara’s work on the Civil War.

    Bookreporter

    Readers . . . looking for an absorbing novel will be well rewarded.

    The Clarion-Ledger

    Praise for A Chain of Thunder

    [Jeff] Shaara continues to draw powerful novels from the bloody history of the Civil War...The dialogue intrigues. Shaara aptly reveals the main actors: Grant, stoic, driven, not given to micromanagement; Sherman, anxious, high-strung, engaged even when doubting Grant’s strategy...Worth a Civil War buff’s attention.

    Kirkus Reviews
  • Books by Jeff Shaara

  • Media About Jeff Shaara

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and Availability

  • 212 572-2013
  • Jeff Shaara travels from Gettysburg, PA

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