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Soul of the Lion: A Biography of General Joshua L. Chamberlain
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was a born soldier but he planned to be a missionary. A graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary, he was an instructor at Bowdoin College when the Civil War broke out and he discovered his true vocation.
His military career was one of exceptional gallantry. He was an officer always in the thick of battle. Fourteen horses were shot under him, and finally he was terribly wounded, yet recovered to fight in the closing campaign of the war. He was designated to receive the surrender of the Confederate infantry after the Appomattox meeting of Grant and Lee, and he played the role with magnanimity.
Chamberlain's peacetime career was no less notable. Four times he was elected Governor of the State of Maine, and later became president of Bowdoin College. In 1880 Chamberlain, unarmed and alone, faced down a mob that threatened to kill him. With magnificent courage, he said: "I am here to see that the laws of this state are put into effect....If anybody wants to kill me for it, here I am."
Willard Wallace has told with sympathy, insight and understanding, the life story of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.
His military career was one of exceptional gallantry. He was an officer always in the thick of battle. Fourteen horses were shot under him, and finally he was terribly wounded, yet recovered to fight in the closing campaign of the war. He was designated to receive the surrender of the Confederate infantry after the Appomattox meeting of Grant and Lee, and he played the role with magnanimity.
Chamberlain's peacetime career was no less notable. Four times he was elected Governor of the State of Maine, and later became president of Bowdoin College. In 1880 Chamberlain, unarmed and alone, faced down a mob that threatened to kill him. With magnificent courage, he said: "I am here to see that the laws of this state are put into effect....If anybody wants to kill me for it, here I am."
Willard Wallace has told with sympathy, insight and understanding, the life story of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.
357 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 26, 2008
Fourteen years ago today I bought this book. We were in Gettysburg. We saw the carnage from Devil's Den to the Peach Orchard, heard Lee say "I will strike him there", witnessed the glory of Pickett's Charge, then we had lunch. There was a beautiful, carefully not restored Civil War era house turned restaurant with bullet holes in the walls and nineteenth century fare. Revived by peanut soup, we walked to this little bookshop where I met the hero of Little Round Top.
Wow. "The soul of a lion and the heart of a woman" according to General Sickel and I'd agree.
The unassuming college professor had grit, I'll tell you that. Enlisted in the army behind people's backs (supposedly going off to Europe to study languages - as if he weren't already fluent in eight or ten!) then declined, yes declined, the position of colonel. Modest, well spoken (in many languages), and did I mention The Hero of Little Round Top? Yikes! Bayonets! Wounded six times yet kept ticking till the end where he finished the war in style by ordering the Federal troops to salute the surrendering Confederacy. He followed that performance up with four terms as Governor of Maine and at least a dozen as the rather forward thinking President of Bowdoin College. Who knows what else? Not me because, sadly, my dear husband loaned this book - MY book - to some loser in a cowboy hat who never gave it back. Probably didn't even read it. So if you happen to see a guy in a cowboy hat walking round with my book, please, FIX BAYONETS!
Wow. "The soul of a lion and the heart of a woman" according to General Sickel and I'd agree.
The unassuming college professor had grit, I'll tell you that. Enlisted in the army behind people's backs (supposedly going off to Europe to study languages - as if he weren't already fluent in eight or ten!) then declined, yes declined, the position of colonel. Modest, well spoken (in many languages), and did I mention The Hero of Little Round Top? Yikes! Bayonets! Wounded six times yet kept ticking till the end where he finished the war in style by ordering the Federal troops to salute the surrendering Confederacy. He followed that performance up with four terms as Governor of Maine and at least a dozen as the rather forward thinking President of Bowdoin College. Who knows what else? Not me because, sadly, my dear husband loaned this book - MY book - to some loser in a cowboy hat who never gave it back. Probably didn't even read it. So if you happen to see a guy in a cowboy hat walking round with my book, please, FIX BAYONETS!
February 6, 2010
Okay, I admit it. Along with many fans of the movie Gettysburg, I drank the Chamberlain kool-aid. I drank a lot of it. I even got other people to drink. For a good year+ of my life I was convinced the entire Civil War was won by Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain on Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Gradually, as happened with Santa Claus, I came to consider simpler, more profound likelihoods. I listened to the words of real historians, not documentary guru Ken Burns, or Gettysburg director Ron Maxwell.
Guess what. The real Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is still a hero. He is worthy of attention and admiration. He never ordered that mythical "right wheel charge" on July 2nd, 1863. For the real story of Little Round Top, I recommend Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine . But I also recommend biographies like this one. Let carefully studied, Hollywood-free history in to your life. It's worth it.
Gradually, as happened with Santa Claus, I came to consider simpler, more profound likelihoods. I listened to the words of real historians, not documentary guru Ken Burns, or Gettysburg director Ron Maxwell.
Guess what. The real Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is still a hero. He is worthy of attention and admiration. He never ordered that mythical "right wheel charge" on July 2nd, 1863. For the real story of Little Round Top, I recommend Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine . But I also recommend biographies like this one. Let carefully studied, Hollywood-free history in to your life. It's worth it.
August 31, 2007
As the title states, a biography of Josua L. Chamberlain. Chamberlain was a little known civil war character to most until the movie Gettysburg. As the commander of the 20th Maine, it was Chamberlain who "held the flank" on the first day of the Gettysburg battle ensuring the union line would not collapse. More incredible, virtually out of ammunition, confronted with five seperate charges on their position by the strong and disciplined Texans commanded by General Hood, Chamberlain ordered "Fix Bayonets" and charged on the Texans causing them to be so demoralized as to surrender in place. This action ultimately won him the admiration of the Union Army and the Congressional Medal of Honor. His final crowning achievement of the war was during the surrender. He supervised the "stacking of arms" and called the union to attention and "salute" as the rebels passed by. This was probably the first real gesture of healing.
But that's one dimension of the man that includes a long tenure at Bowden College in Main (The "Harvard" Of Maine), and ultimately multiple terms as Govenor.
A great story of a great man that many still do not know.
It can be a bit slow in places but it's worth the read.
But that's one dimension of the man that includes a long tenure at Bowden College in Main (The "Harvard" Of Maine), and ultimately multiple terms as Govenor.
A great story of a great man that many still do not know.
It can be a bit slow in places but it's worth the read.
February 25, 2021
I enjoyed this biography very much.
The author kept my attention most of the time.
It bogged down toward the end for me because
there was a lot of political talk that I didn't care
about. The battle descriptions were quite nice.
I have at least one more Chamberlain bio to read,
there is always a place for him in my reading life.
The author kept my attention most of the time.
It bogged down toward the end for me because
there was a lot of political talk that I didn't care
about. The battle descriptions were quite nice.
I have at least one more Chamberlain bio to read,
there is always a place for him in my reading life.
June 17, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this biography of a man whose defining time in his life, even though he had no military experience, was his Civil War experience. Chamberlain was a professor at Bowdoin College, but strongly felt the call to serve and volunteered. Despite having no military knowledge or experience, he was offered a lieutenant colonelcy of the 20th Regiment Infantry, Maine Volunteers. Recognizing his deficiency in military matters, he started a cram course with his commanding officer, Colonel Ames, a recent West Point graduate. He was so successful that he was given battlefield promotions to colonel, and then General Grant promoted him to brigadier general. Chamberlain's battlefield success was especially noteworthy at Gettysburg, and the battle of Five Forks. Grant thought so highly of Chamberlain that at the final surrender at Appomatox Court House, he asked Chamberlain to receive the Confederate infantry surrender.
After returning home to Maine, Chamberlain served several one-year terms as governor, served as president of Bowdoin College, did a lot of public speaking throughout the eastern US and in Paris, shut down an insurrection in Maine's capital city over a disputed gubernatorial election, tried his hand at business, mostly, in Florida, and was deeply involved in all kinds of civic and educational activities.
For anyone interested in Civil War history, this book is highly recommended. For anyone interested in the history of the state of Maine, this book is also highly recommended.
After returning home to Maine, Chamberlain served several one-year terms as governor, served as president of Bowdoin College, did a lot of public speaking throughout the eastern US and in Paris, shut down an insurrection in Maine's capital city over a disputed gubernatorial election, tried his hand at business, mostly, in Florida, and was deeply involved in all kinds of civic and educational activities.
For anyone interested in Civil War history, this book is highly recommended. For anyone interested in the history of the state of Maine, this book is also highly recommended.
July 18, 2018
If you are looking for the biography of a man of great character and courage, look no further. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is best known for his historical (and potentially Union-saving) stand on Little Round Top at the Battle of Gettysburg during the United States Civil War, but his exceptional service, leadership, and superior decision-making extended far beyond that single event. Whether as an academic, military leader, politician, or peace-keeper, his consistent dedication to a cause greater than himself, to the ideals upon which our Nation was founded, and his wisdom in action speak to the exceptional character of a man whom we should truly honor. A well-written "must read!"
July 28, 2021
I enjoyed this quite a bit. I've always been intrigued by Chamberlain and wanted to learn more than just the Little Round Top story. This book helped me achieve that perfectly.
What disappointed me about this book though, is that it felt very rushed. His life before the Civil War garners one chapter and even his time as a soldier (arguably the most interesting part of his life) felt rushed. But then we get extensive, often long and boring tales of his post wat activities. I was hoping for more of a focus on his Civil War activities.
What disappointed me about this book though, is that it felt very rushed. His life before the Civil War garners one chapter and even his time as a soldier (arguably the most interesting part of his life) felt rushed. But then we get extensive, often long and boring tales of his post wat activities. I was hoping for more of a focus on his Civil War activities.
January 22, 2023
I re-read this biography and just finished. I read it as a younger person and liked it and still did on a second read-through. It seems to paint a fairly accurate picture of Chamberlain and his life. I appreciated that it focused on his life after the Civil War as well. It is a good read about an important figure in the Civil War.
April 10, 2023
Loved this book. I’m not a big biography reader, but was amazed by Chamberlain’s acts of bravery as a soldier and as a human to uphold and intertwine his Christian values throughout life.
November 24, 2023
Absolutely phenomenal book, loved every page. What a fascinating man living in such an important time.
July 22, 2024
Before my review begins my background is important to consider. I have been connected with the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum In Brunswick for over 24 years, serving currently as one of the two site managers.
There are now (with White’s book) four major Chamberlain biographies. Soul of a Lion (1960) by Wallace; In the Hands of Providence (1992) by Trulock; Fanny and Joshua (1999) by Smith; and On Great Fields (2023) by White.
I will be completing my reviews of all biographies shortly and encourage reviewing each one. (An honorable mention to Joshua Chamberlain, a heroes life and legacy, by Pullen)
Soul of a Lion represents the first major effort at a full biography of Joshua Chamberlain’s life, long before Shara’s historical non-fiction Killer Angles.
Cons - its age gives it a weakness as newer biographies have uncovered a much deeper understanding about Chamberlain’s life. It is not strong on the family aspect of Chamberlains life.
PROS - it’s a classic, it is easy to read and has survived the storms of time well, a great first introduction to Chamberlain that has the benefit of first person family memories as Wallace interviewed Joshua Chamberlain granddaughters. Though this is small in content, due to their passing, future biographical authors did not have this as an option.
These small stories have appeared in future biographies. One favorite being Joshua Chamberlain reading the Koran “in the original” but reassuring his family not to worry.
SUMMARY: IF you want a good, classic narrative style biography this is your book, he does a nice job on the war years.
A solid three, due to its age, if I could give it a 3.5-3.7 I would; but Smith, Trulock, and White’s are better.
There are now (with White’s book) four major Chamberlain biographies. Soul of a Lion (1960) by Wallace; In the Hands of Providence (1992) by Trulock; Fanny and Joshua (1999) by Smith; and On Great Fields (2023) by White.
I will be completing my reviews of all biographies shortly and encourage reviewing each one. (An honorable mention to Joshua Chamberlain, a heroes life and legacy, by Pullen)
Soul of a Lion represents the first major effort at a full biography of Joshua Chamberlain’s life, long before Shara’s historical non-fiction Killer Angles.
Cons - its age gives it a weakness as newer biographies have uncovered a much deeper understanding about Chamberlain’s life. It is not strong on the family aspect of Chamberlains life.
PROS - it’s a classic, it is easy to read and has survived the storms of time well, a great first introduction to Chamberlain that has the benefit of first person family memories as Wallace interviewed Joshua Chamberlain granddaughters. Though this is small in content, due to their passing, future biographical authors did not have this as an option.
These small stories have appeared in future biographies. One favorite being Joshua Chamberlain reading the Koran “in the original” but reassuring his family not to worry.
SUMMARY: IF you want a good, classic narrative style biography this is your book, he does a nice job on the war years.
A solid three, due to its age, if I could give it a 3.5-3.7 I would; but Smith, Trulock, and White’s are better.
August 10, 2016
You can find my full review at Quieted Waters.
This work chronicles the life of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain from childhood through death, including Chamberlain’s roles as teacher, general, college president, and governor. Wallace’s most fluid writing is found in his retelling of the Civil War, specifically his chapter on Chamberlain’s Gettysburg glory. The entire battle is brought to life with vivid realism, and I could almost feel the weight bearing upon Chamberlain’s shoulders as he agonized over how to hold Little Round Top “until the last.”
July 19, 2016
This book, while perhaps not the most exciting I have ever read, told the story of an incredible General, Joshua Chamberlain, who fought in the Civil War including at Gettysburg. General Chamberlain was not just brave man (he was injured during battle several times but continued to fight), but he was a college professor, Governor of Maine, yet very humble and dedicated to public service and had an amazing inner strength. You cannot read this book and not be moved by what an incredible human being this man was.
September 25, 2010
Very good, easy to read biography of Joshua Chamberlain. I first became aware of him during Ken Burns documentary of the Civil War. So much more to the man than just the acts of heroism and grace displayed during the well known episodes of his campaigns during the war. Very well worth reading for anyone interested in the American Civil War and also for those who admire brilliant military minds and who wonder what it is that makes them so brilliant.
November 29, 2013
My word, how appropriately this book has been titled. Chamberlain didn't just have the soul of a lion but of the Lion. I appreciate that biographer Willard Wallace does not attempt to chalk up Chamberlain's demonstrations of nobility to mere human goodness or Victorian sentiment but that he connects the dots between Chamberlain's early theological studies and lifelong faith and his resultant courage, compassion, and adherence to an admirable moral code.
October 24, 2009
Maybe more scholarly than Trulock's In the Hands of Providence, Wallace's 1960 biography of Chamberlain (well before Chamberlain's star rose as a result of Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels) is for the most part factual, objective, and unadorned, though he may gloss over too discretely the unsteady relationship between Chamberlain and his mercurial wife, Fanny.
October 14, 2014
Not very well written. Lots of interesting data about the man, who is a very interesting subject. The author assumes a certain knowledge of the Civil War and ability to visualize battlefields, which can be quite difficult. Overall, decent biography of a fascinating person.
September 19, 2010
Very interesting subject and personage, however the writers skills are just not up to the task....
April 23, 2013
Good story, great historical character, so so writing style but it had some good moments.
January 7, 2013
Loved...
March 30, 2013
Joshua Chamberlain was a college professor turned Union Army officer, Medal of Honor winner and the hero of Little Round Top.
April 13, 2013
This one was recommended by a friend. The writing style, as I was warned, is not the most exciting or interesting. However, the subject is always worth reading about.
February 17, 2015
This is an excellent read of a great American; his passion for his state; country ; and duty are a great example for all Americans to adhere to; should be read by all high school students.
May 25, 2015
Wonderful biography and engaging story.
March 27, 2016
4.5 stars. Just when I thought I couldn't admire the man anymore this books comes along and proves me wrong. What an amazing life he had, a true American hero.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews