Joshua Chamberlain: A Hero's Life and Legacy

by John J. Pullen

Joshua Chamberlain was much more than a war hero, and Pullen's thoughtful book fills out the picture of his remarkable life. An entertaining and inspiring story. --Senator George J. Mitchell

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

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 1999

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

After visiting the battlefield of Gettysburg, and then reading the book, 'Killer Angels' I became interested in learning more about the life of Joshua Chamberlain. There seems to be an endless series of heroic stories about this man during his Civil War years, and I wanted to know more about the man behind the stories. This book perfectly filled that desire.

Rather than sharing a narrative of Chamberlain's life, the book presents a series of events (not necessarily in chronological order) that illustrate the principles that Chamberlain based his life on. Chamberlain's actions (both good and bad) during these events really show his character and his personal devotion to the ideas of justice and honor.

[Mahlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the novel "The Killer Angels" and the movie "Gettysburg" that was based upon it, the Civil War exploits of Joshua Chamberlain are well known. However, the details of his post-war life remain unknown to most. He served as Governor of his home state of Maine from 1867-1871, and as President of Bowdoin college(where he had been a Professor before the war) from 1871-1883. Later in life Chamberlain served as Surveyor of the Port of Portland, Maine. In this short, but insightful volume, Pullen examines the issues Chamberlain faced as Governor, and later, in academic life. He also evaluates Chamberlain's legacy, and his influence on the state today.

This book is essential to anyone wanting to know more about the life of Joshua Chamberlain, or Civil War buffs in general.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the great unsung heroes of America's past. Joshua Chamberlain and the 20th Main as seen in the great film "Gettysburg". However Chamberlain's life after that great battle only just begun and there were many adventures in store for this amazing American. I loved this book!

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first became interested in Joshua Chamberlain due to one of my favorite authors (Andy Andrews) promoting the leadership qualities of Chamberlain in some of his books and speeches and holding him up as having the primary responsibility for winning The Battle of Gettysburg and potentially saving our country in the process.

My favorite part of this book was the comparison in Chapter 15 of Joshua Chamberlain's Civil War accomplishments to the accomplishments of General Patton in World War II. I hadn't previously considered the similarities, and the author did an outstanding job of bringing those out in order to illustrate that although Patton is unquestionably the most famous of these two war heroes, it was Chamberlain's character, even without previous experience as a soldier, that was critical in allowing him to realize victory at Gettysburg. The way that Chamberlain treated people and always sought to make a wise decision in spite of political affiliations and influences has allowed him to become even more admirable today than he was recognized to be in the day that he lived. The result is a lasting legacy and influence that continues to reach leaders today.

The book begins with Chamberlain's Civil War accomplishments in Chapter 1, however the descriptions of his famous battle are very brief. Beginning in Chapter 2 and continuing through Chapter 10, the focus of the story is more aligned with Maine state history than Chamberlain's experiences from the Civil War. Although there were some interesting points during his tenure as Governor and as president of Bowdoin College, I was very glad to see the author return to the Civil War fame of Chamberlain in the closing chapters. Those were the most interesting parts of his life. It is unfortunate that in the years after the war, he lost the support of so many in his home state because of his repeated efforts to always do the right thing. He was even excluded from a book about famous Maine residents that was published in the years after his death. Yet because of the work of authors such as John J. Pullen, Michael Shaara, and Andy Andrews, he has become a beloved and well-regarded public figure that has finally received the renown due him.

[Matthew Dambro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pullen wrote the definitive history of the 20th Maine back in the 1970s. He is a master of his craft and clearly has deep affection and respect for Colonel Chamberlain. JLC was the Audie Murphy of the Civil War. He embodied everything that was good and decent and brave about the American citizen soldier of the 19th Century. We need more like him now in this current struggle with Islamic Terrorism.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pullen's convinced me: this dude abides.

[Michael Papier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a student of History, and especially Military History, for decades. I have always admired men who did not choose war but would rise to the challenge when war was upon them. MG Chamberlain was just such a man. He did what he felt in his heart was right and placed his fate in the hands of God. He was always a leader of the most admirable kind throughout his Military Career and when the Civil War was over, he tried to serve his State and Nation in every way possible. I feel the wounds he received at Petersburg made his decision for him when asked if he would stay in the Military after the war. To say his open and honest dealings in public life were underappreciated is a vast understatement. I believe he would have made an excellent Senator and even a President. He just would not play the "game" by the rules of the politics of the time.

[Troy Ancona · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

John Pullen’s work is not a full biography, instead it begins with Joshua Chamberlain coming home from the war and covers his governorship and Bowdoin College years to the end of his life.

It is written in Pullen’s classic easy to read style and will be a quick read for most avid readers.

While not likely intentional, it feels like a sequel to Pullen’s classic regimental history The 20th Maine.

The five stars may be generous but this book often gets overlooked - and while short on content, it’s packed with details!

A must for the avid Joshua Chamberlain student.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good read. Much of the time is spent on his life after the civil war though there is some review and reflection on Gettysburg and his injuries. I found his involvement in stopping the 1880 civil war in Maine fascinating. Amazing that he is seen as a vaulted leader in war training, compared favorably to Patton, even today.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a more complete biography post war of Joshua Chamberlain

A very good piece with much more detail and observation of Chamberlain post Civil War.
Things presented explain the terms as governor and political ramifications that most pass over.
Recommend

[Lori-Suzanne Dell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very informative. Enjoyable read. Well researched. Highly recommended.

[Kelsey Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, short read.

[Brian E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! I learned a lot from this book. Mr. Chamberlain was a great leader! Much could be learned from his example!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joshua Chamberlain is one of my heroes. I took my time reading this book because Pullen has used so many primary sources that I wanted to savor them.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very good first book for a person to read if they think they want to read more about this man. He led a very interesting and ethical life. Chamberlain dies in 1914 before the "Great War" begins in Europe and 3 years away before the USA enters the war. He becomes sort of lost to American History as a result of the First World War and Second World War. He emerges in the late 1940s and 1950s as a point of interesting history based on his stance in Gettysburg and then of course we know he becomes moreso famous in the movies that were done on Battles during the War Between the States as a result. He is a true American and a hero; anyone interested in reading more about this General Officer should read this book first to get a feel for the person they are about to study more in depth.

[Jim Bouchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the entire story from Chamberlain's modest upbringing to his heroic actions in the Civil War to his continued service to the State of Maine.

Chamberlain is a leader that all leaders should study and Pullen shows us the human side- including personal flaws that allow us to identify with him as a man.

Whether you're a Civil War buff, a student of leadership or ethics or simply someone who wants to learn a little more about courage and daily decision making this is a powerful read.

[Marlena · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was informative. But not quite what I was looking for. I was hoping to know more about chamberlains before the war life. It was interesting to see the later stuff. But the book was just ok for me.

[Sue Nall · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hero! I loved the book!

[Russ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of what is written about Chamberlain deals with his war exploits. This book dealt with his life after the war. I enjoyed it.

[Jeff Bracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful description of the key parts of the life of a remarkable man and citizen hero.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS was a man.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening view of the life and times of Chamberlain.