Bayonet! Forward: My Civil War Reminiscences

by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

From the rear cover of this 289 page "'Bayonet Forward' is a compilation of General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain's, most substantial Civil War addresses and writings. This collection contains chapters on the campaigns of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Petersburg, the White Oak Road, Five Forks and Appomattox, as well as Chamberlain's personal account of the surrender of the Confederate Army and the Grand Review of the Army of the Potomac. As a prominent member of the Fifth Army Corps, Chamberlain's reminiscences also serve as a history of that Corps' service from Fredericksburg through the end of the war at Appomattox. Also contained in this informative assemblage are appendices including official battle reports of the Gettysburg and Appomattox campaigns, a moving account of the last salute to the Army of Northern Virginia, monument dedication exercises on the Gettysburg Battlefield, and stirring memorial address on the life of President Abraham Lincoln. [This book] is further enhanced with photographs, maps, a bibliography, index and full color covers. Anyone interested in General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, the Fifth Army Corps or the American Civil War, will find this reading insightful and entertaining."

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

328 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1994

About the author

Chamberlain was a college professor at Bowdoin College before the U.S. Civil War. When the faculty refused him permission for a leave of absense so that he could enlist he took a sabbatical and enlisted anyway.

He played a Key role in the Battle of Gettysburg as depicted in Michael Shaara's Pulitzer Prize-winning historical novel about Gettysburg, The Killer Angels, and the movie based on that novel, Gettysburg (in which Chamberlain was played by actor Jeff Daniels, who repeated that role in the Gods and Generals prequel).

Chamberlain was later seriously wounded in the war and was propted to General but survived and went on to become governor of Maine and President of Bowdoin College where he was proud to say that he eventually taught every course in their curriculum with the exception of mathematics

Reviews

[Riley Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read about Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and his civil war heroism, but his own words are a powerful window into his own experiences. Anything he writes about Gettysburg is moving and unfathomable to me. How did this humble professor become a major general?

Since this is a collection there is some duplication of accounts, he can get carried away with the flowery language of the 19th century and can belabor the point in defense of General Warren. Warren was relieved of command at Petersburg but was the one who identified Little Round Top as a critical point. In Chamberlain’s assessment he was slow to command at Five Forks but also got caught in the middle of the complex command structure of Grant, Mead and Sheridan.

He is best when talking about specific events like Gettysburg, Appomattox and receiving the Confederate surrender and hiding behind bodies at Fredericksburg, and finally breaking the siege at Five Forks. He gets a little wordy talking about Petersburg since it was such a long siege. Every American should understand Chamberlain and be grateful for his patriotism and his understanding of Lincoln and the true American Founding.

[Jessica Jewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain never wrote a bad book.

[Bre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chamberlain’s address at the dedication of the Maine monuments at Gettysburg is one of the most profoundly moving pieces of writing I have ever read, what borders on a transcendental meditation - one that is a call to peer into the depths of the cosmic universe while remaining inextricably cognizant of and connected to the blood shed on the hallowed ground beneath their feet. A piece I would memorize and carry in my heart every day.

I don’t take it for granted that we have so many writings of such depth and such quality from one of the greatest people this country has ever produced. Even reading it slowly, there are so many details that I know I must have missed, so many more propositions in Chamberlain’s writings, recollections, and offered analyses to stop and think about at more length.

[Josh Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of speeches and writings presented by General Chamberlain at different times many years after the war. Time did not seem to diminish Chamberlain’s recollections however, and the book is a fantastic insight into his magnanimous and principled character and how he dealt with the challenges inherent in his duty. A must read for those passionate about military history or leadership.

[Dennis Blocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Excellent!!!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

[Jakejakejake · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic book. written by an amazing author about the horrors and experiences of the American civil war

[Brett Fass · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the harder books I’ve read

[Joyce Oliver stahle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is great to read the words of someone who was actually there. Chamberlain shares some great insight into the Civil War and when he returned years later to the battlefield.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written by Civil War hero Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, is an interesting first person look at his experiences in the war. While some of his passages are self-serving and do not necessarily reflect what actually happened (e.g., his and the 20th Maine's actions at Little Round Top during the battle at Gettysburg), this is a good rendering of one person's account of his experiences.

The book provides a tour of Chamberlain's part in the War, beginning with his engagement at Fredericksburg, through the violence at Gettysburg, to the battle at Petersburg (where he was badly wounded), to White Oak Road and Five Forks (and his dramatic encounters with the fiery Phil Sheridan), to Appomattox. The book concludes with the story of the Army of the Potomac's grand review in Washington D. C. after hostilities had ended.

It is written in the style of the times, which seems somewhat overblown and overstylized today. Nonetheless, it provides one soldier's perspective on the War.

In addition, there are a series of Appendices that flesh out Chamberlain's story (such as his comments at the dedication of the 20th Maine's monument at Gettysburg in 1889, Chamberlain's report on his and the 20th Maine's role at Gettysburg, his rendering of the last salute of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox. The volume ends with a memoriam to Chamberlain upon his death.

All in all, a useful book to gain a sense of the perspective of an important soldier in the Union Army, although flawed to some extent by some self-serving discussion.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing, engrossing read. I was a fan of Chamberlain from the depiction of him in The Killer Angels and the movie Gettysburg, but to read his account first hand makes me more so. Being a college professor, you knew he could write well, but his writing is never dull or overly intellectual and never inflates his own ego. His descriptions of events come off as honest and humble and completely honorable.

One of the best first-hand accounts of the Civil War I've ever read. This book can also be read by all young adults without too much difficulty who have an interest in Gettysburg or the Civil War. I've read this a few years ago just before reading Alice Trulock Rains' excellent biography "In the Hands of Providence", and this book still sticks in my mind.

[Josh Gillum · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Bayonet Forward” presents a vivid and insightful account of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s experiences during the American Civil War. Best known for his leadership at Gettysburg, Chamberlain recounts key battles, personal challenges, and the responsibilities of command with eloquence and depth.

His writing reflects both the brutality of war and the camaraderie among soldiers, offering a rich perspective on the conflict. Chamberlain is known for his to be a self promoter of sorts, and his idealized vision comes out of his writing at times, but detailed descriptions of battles like Fredericksburg and Petersburg make the book a nice resource to have in your shelf.

[rinabeana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I spent 9 months reading this book, though it tended to be in short spurts with long respites in between. I will admit that parts seemed a bit dry (blow-by-blow descriptions of battles), but I really liked Chamberlain's post-war addresses. He was certainly a man of eloquence! His accounts of Gettysburg and Appomattox alone are worth reading.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about the recollections of a Union General Who fought at Gettysburg, Petersburg and Appomattox Courthouse. Sometimes it was a little hard to follow when he described the battles. However, his speeches after the Civil War still ring true today and should be read by politicans today.

[Henry Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this compilation of the general's storied service and comments of those most terrible times. It is really well written and in the character of that time. The pieces are ordered in such a way as to provide a progression of the conflict and the aftermath that followed the general. Five stars.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

too detailed on battles. Enjoyed more his written stories after the Civil war and the people he wrote about. A man who God used to do his work. A man with courage, conviction, and ability which God used at the right time to make a big difference.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not that slow of a reader, just haven't been updating. I am a fan of Chamberlain, and am biased. However if you want to read of both Civil War and post Civil War writings of a great 19th century hero this is your book.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chamberlain's firsthand account of several battles in the American Civil War is a little flowery to for my modern ears, but is otherwise a very interesting read.

[Scott Dunham · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing look at the Civil War right from the guy who was there in the thick of it. Why isn't Joshua Chamberlain more well known? This man is an inspiration.