An attorney and municipal court judge in New Jersey, is working on his Masters Degree in Military History at the American Military University. His articles have appeared in "Gettysburg Magazine: and "Civil War Regiments". He's currently working on -a book on the action in the Wheatfield at Gettysburg 7/2/ 1863.

Beginning with the march from Virginia to Pennsylvania the authors provide us with a detailed analysis of Law's regiments. Law's Brigade consisting of the 4th 15th, 47th, and 48th Alabama Infantry Regiments, played an important role in Robert E. Lee's attempt to roll up the Union left flank on the afternoon on July 2, 1863. The authors provide four chapters on that action, detailing the Brigade's movement from Biesecker's Woods towards Little Round Top.

Through the use of battle reports, letters, and diary accounts, the authors have done an excellent job in providing insight into the battle action that culminated with the repulse of the 15th Alabama on Little Round Top. The book also reviews the part taken by the Alabama regiments on the evening of July 2, 1863, as well as the fighting the next day. Law's Brigade was involved with Elon Farnsworth's ill-fated charge on Big Round Top. That has long been a forgotten action, and the authors account of it is clear, concise, and informative.

One of the biggest advantages of this book is the excellent maps. These 22 maps provide great detail and focus on the fighting being described in the text. They outline the pertinent terrain features, and establish a ready frame of reference for readers, making it easy to follow the action being described in the text. There are also numerous photographs of members associated with Law's Brigade which help to personalize the accounts of these hard fighting Alabamians.

Although much has been written about the Army of Northern Virginia's invasion into Pennsylvania and the 3 day battle at Gettysburg, relatively little has been published on Lee's retreat into Virginia after the Battle. Penny and Laine help fill that void as far as Law's Brigade is concerned by including two chapters in their book devoted to post-battle activities of the Brigade.

Struggle of Round Tops is a well-written, well-researched book. It provides readers with important information on the activities of Law's Brigade throughout the Gettysburg Campaign. This book is highly recommended to anybody with any interest in Gettysburg!