Joshua L. Chamberlain: The Life in Letters of a Great Leader of the American Civil War

by Thomas A. Desjardin

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain has been a central character in two feature films (Gettysburg and Gods & Generals), a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (The Killer Angels), and an inspiration for Ken Burns's production of the highly acclaimed PBS series The Civil War. Chamberlain won national fame at the Battle of Gettysburg for his key role in fending off the Confederates at Little Round Top on day two of the battle.

This new volume brings to public light 300 never-before-seen letters from Chamberlain's personal correspondence, which comprises letters sent by or to Chamberlain from his college years in 1852 to his death in 1914. The first 100 letters shed light on Chamberlain's formative years and his courtship with Fannie Adams, which has been the source of much speculation by scholars. The final 200 letters reveal insights into Chamberlain the Union commander and the aftermath of the war.

Chamberlain's image can be found on everything from historical art to sculpture, from t-shirts to clocks, from bobble-head dolls to snow globes. Despite all this attention, there is still a lot about Chamberlain that most people do not know. His life is a remarkable story of perseverance, tragedy, and triumph. From an insecure young man with a considerable stuttering problem who grew up in a small town in eastern Maine, Joshua Chamberlain rose to become a major general, recipient of the Medal of Honor, Governor of Maine, and President of Bowdoin College. His writings are among the most oft-quoted of all Civil War memoirs, and he has become a legendary, even mythical historical figure.

Historian and acclaimed author, Thomas Desjardin, puts Chamberlain's words in contemporary and historical context and uses this extraordinary collection of letters to reveal--for the first time--the full and remarkable life of Joshua Chamberlain. Readers will find this unique portrait of Chamberlain to be entertaining, moving, and inspiring.

Genres: History, Biography, Civil War, Nonfiction, American Civil War

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic introduction to JLC. Content wise, it was great. Didn't love the overall layout of the book however. I look forward to reading his more in-depth work about the 20th Maine in Gettysburg later this year.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at a Civil War Hero and former governor of Maine

[STEVEN WOODS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I highly recommend this book. Joshua L. Chamberland: A Concise Biography of the Iconic Hero presents a realistic view of the man without embellishment.

[Sherrie House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Desjardin was given unique access to a cache of Chamberlain letters - letters that show a much more three-dimensional picture of JLC than we have had in the past. (Spoiler alert: He was human...) A flawed human being, with huge areas of self-doubt and insecurity, who nevertheless accomplished some pretty awesome things.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I was looking for more of a reference to his military history, this didn't quite satisfy with the very looong section of letters from his then-fiance-and-later-wife, Fannie duringthe years of separtio before their marriage. However, when I finally reached the section of letters from Chamberlain to his wife during the Civil War it more than met my wishes. It was wonderful to read these first-hand accounts sharing his own thoughts of battles such as Gettysburg and Petersburg and learning some of the ins and outs of his lifestyle and military knowledge in this point of his life. Also was shared a short chapter on his life after the war: his political career as governor of Maine and president of Bowdoin college.

"I enjoy this life. It is hard, hard, hard, but glorious! These marches in night and storm through woods and fields, through flood and mud, wet, hungry, cold and tired and sore, but our hearts as stout and true and brave as you could wish." J. Lawrence to his wife; Sept. 19, 1863; Bull Run battlefield after the battle of the second Bull Run.

[Troy Ancona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great resource book, if you are looking to do serious studies into Chamberlain’s life, it is no likely for you unless you want to study / research Chamberlain’s life.

Letters to and from Chamberlain are arraigned chronologically and grouped in themes (sections).

It can be read like a book as Desjardin’s has short introductions or explanations throughout the book, but letters can be dry.

I have given four stars as I have been researching Chamberlain for many years. I originally read it as a book, now use as a reference book

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.L. Chamberlain, one of the great heroes of the Battle of Gettysburg and of the American Civil War, in his own words and the words of those who knew him. I'm glad I read this - I learned some things I had not known, including Chamberlain's role as military governor of Maine during the electoral "Count Out Crisis" of 1880!

[Luanne Coats · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only for fans of JLC, it's mainly his love letters to his wife. There is some new revelation of a love affair with a cousin that merely showed me even JLC was an imperfect human being like the rest of us.

[Jim Bouchard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good primer.

[Jessica Jewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review of this book. - http://jessicajewettonline.com/review...