On Great Fields: Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and His Fight to Save the Union

by Ronald C. White

512 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2024

Reviews

[Gabe Labonte]

I thought this was a truly captivating and detailed review of General Chamberlain’s life. I remember vaguely learning about Chamberlain through a report in way back in high school, which was what piqued my interest in this book. I’m happy to have read it and to have to learned about his honorable life. I’m a native Mainer and just did not know of the profound influence he’s had on the state. I also just love to think about how his charge at Little Round Top played such a significant role at the Battle of Gettysburg - Something I’m sure not even many fellow Mainers know about, but should! Would highly recommend if you love historical non-fiction like I do!

[Reader]

This is an incredibly well written book and a fascinating story.

[Christie Wessels]

A truly heroic man whose courage and principles allowed him to shine in moments of intense danger that would have crumples lesser men. I love that our state has such a noble figure to be proud of.
This book covered a moment in Maine's history of which I was completely unaware, a near civil war in Augusta in 1880 because of election fraud, when Chamberlain was called in to mediate an explosive situation.
This is a wonderful book, Chamberlain's is a wonderful story, and I feel more knowledgeable about Maine's history thanks to this overview of the life of one of Maine's most remarkable figures.

[Michael Mattioli]

"In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays.Forms change and pass; bodies disappear, but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls. And reverent men and
women from afar, and generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field to ponder and dream; And lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their
souls."

Don’t really need to say much more. Chamberlain himself understood the importance of history.

[Mike Bortnowski]

A beautifully written biography of one of New England’s greatest heroes. General Chamberlain is a prime example of how being an intellectual and well studied can translate into a moral leadership in times of uncertainty. A true public servant of his time, I highly recommend On Great Fields for all Civil War enthusiasts and even readers who are looking for inspiration on leadership and courage.

[Bill Sprayberry]

Excellent ... This is a great read and biography of one of America's lesser known hero's. The Author makes good use of correspondence in and around Joshua L. Chamberlain to bring this history to life and expertly weaves in first hand accounts of events to tell a complete story of this great American.