Soul of the Lion: A Biography of General Josua L. Chamberlain

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Summary: A Classic Biography that Stands the Test of Time
Review: Although John Pullen recently wrote a biography of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Willard Wallace's 1960 classic remains a highly readible and informative gem. This was an era of great writing about the Civil war, including Bruce Catton's Centenial trilogy and the first two volume's of Shelby Foote's masterpiece. Wallace's writing is equally lucid and his coverage is vast in scope. He devotes nealy as many pages to Chmaberlain's post war career as he does to his heroic years as the Colonel of the 20th Maine and later General. We all know of the heroics of Bowdoin professor (turned military leader) Chamberlain on Little Round Top but he also was instrumental in the final battles near Petersburg at Five Forks and Quaker Road. Despite being wounded (for what seems to be the umpteenth time) he went on to rally his troops. After the war he went on to serve a governor of Maine and President of Bowdoin College. His Presidency of Bowdoin was progressive but troubled. Quite simply, his innovations were ahead of their time thus opposed by many in the Bowdoin community. In politics, he was independent, answering to no bosses and as head of the Maine militia, he put down a near inserection, after a disputed election, without calling out his troops. This is a great book about a great American. I highly recommend it.

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Summary: Chamberlain is great the book is dull
Review: It has been several years since I read Soul of the Lion. However, although the Civil War years of Chamberlain are quite interesting and alive, the rest of the book is quite dull. Chamberlain's remaining days in Maine and Florida are just not very interesting reading. I attribute most of this to Wallace's weakness as a writer.

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Summary: Very good biography of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Review: Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain is one of the greatest American military heroes of all time. He won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courageous leadership of the 20th Maine Volunteer Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, thereby ensuring his place in history. "Soul of the Lion," by Willard M. Wallace, is a well written biography of Chamberlain. With clear and lively prose, Wallace chronicles Chamberlain's early life and career as a professor at Bowdoin College; his rise from command of the 20th Maine to general officer rank in the Union army; and his unfailingly heroic performance in some of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, including Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Petersburg, and Five Forks.

Wallace also details Chamberlain's post-Civil War career as Governor of Maine (1867-1871); President of Bowdoin College (1871-1883); and unsuccessful businessman. Especially interesting was how Chamberlain, as commander of Maine's militia, saved the state from violent anarchy during the 1880 gubernatorial election.

Despite being well written, "Soul of the Lion" doesn't quite approach the depth found in the best biographies of military leaders. I would have especially appreciated more detailed information concerning Chamberlain's relationships with his family members. This is only a minor reservation, however; "Soul of the Lion" is a good basic survey of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain's life, and a highly recommendable book about one of the great Americans of the 19th century.

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Summary: A professional human being.
Review: Regardless of which book you read about Chamberlain,it is clear he was a man on a level withFew.His dignity,valour and devotion to the men who served under him,and the opponents he fought,won him huge respect on both sides.The fact that Chamberlain was chosen to receive the surrender of the Confederate Infantry at Appomattox and his, and his mens, conduct in doing so,cannot be underscored.Read all you can regarding Chamberlain.he set an example for all men to follow. Read also"Killer Angels",a terrific history of the battle of Gettysburg.

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Summary: Common man with an extraordinary life as soldier & statesman
Review: The biography of Joshua Chamberlin is about a common man who had an extraordinary life as a result of a seminal event at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was a professor in Maine who decided it was his duty to serve his country. He had no military training, but became one of General Grant's most trusted generals. He fought in some of the most terrible battles in the war. For his courage at Gettysburg by turning the Confederates flank on the Little Roundtop with a bayonet charge, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. After the war, he was Maine's governor and statesman until his death. A truly inspiring life story.

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Summary: A fitting tribute to an outstanding General and Soldier.
Review: This is an excellent book by Willard M. Wallace that was first written in 1960. It begins with the family background of the Chamberlain family and its historical roots back in Europe and then goes to the birth of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and details his life story, in which many triumphs and tragedies happened. While this book was written in a "romantic glossy tone", it is an excellent resouce for material about this gallant soldier and his contribution to save the Union at Gettysburg and Petersburg

A man of immense intellect Chamberlain spoke many languages and was a gifted writer and poet. His natural leadership abilities was an inspiration not only to the students at Bowdoin College in Maine, but also to the 20th Maine on the hard fought day of July 2, 1863. This man quite possibly saved the Battle and thus the Union with his suprising and daring charge down Little Round Top thus suprising the men of the 15th Alabama and the rest of Confederate General Evander Law's Brigade.

A true leader, as the book points out, Chamberlain was elected Governor of Maine and in later life was a great speaker at many GAR Reunions.

This is an excellent book and highly recommended to anyone who wants to know more about the brave and amazing Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.

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Summary: An American hero for all seasons...
Review: Willard Wallace has written a fine book about a genuinely great man. Joshua Chamberlain's heroic leadership of the 20th Maine Regiment stemming wave attacks by Confederate forces against the "Little Round Top" flank of The Army of the Potomac at Gettsyburg has become the stuff of legend. Whether this combat was the crucial engagement of the key battle of The Civil War is for historians and buffs to endlessly debate. What is not debatable is that Chamberlain was one of the most extraordinary Americans who ever lived in the service of this nation. Wallace' focus on the brilliant military achievenments of Joshua Chamberlain is complemented with a detailed account of his life as a scholar of national repute; an educational visonary (while President of Bowdoin college); Governor of Maine; Commandant of the Maine Milita (credited with thwarting possible civil war in Maine over the contested state election of 1800); and a Christian gentleman who believed that the best of one's religious convictions should certainly affect his public actions as soldier, professor and officer of the state.

A reviewer has noted Mr. Wallace' book is occasionally laudatory in the extreme. If this is a fault, let the reader judge to see if the tone of praise is warranted. Wallace does not gloss over Chamberlain's (well-earned) "aristocratic" bearing and philosophical outlook. The man clearly "walked the walk" as well as...being an accomplished orator..."talked the talk". Today's reader innundated with the secular gospel of Political Correctness may squirm a bit when he learns General/Governor/ Professor/Avowedly religious, seminary trained Citizen Chamberlain's views on the efficacy of capital punishment and the proper role of equity in its enforcement by the State. Or maybe not...... SOUL OF A LION is an inspiring piece of biography whose intention is to uplift the spirit as well as inform the mind. It...in my estimate...eminently succeeds as story and tribute. The former: as good and needed respite from cynicism often pervading present-day historical scholarship. The latter: as encouraging acknowledgement; reminding readers that valor and excellence of intellect and spirit are practical virtues and foundationally admirable. Joshua Chamberlain extraordinarily incarnated what makes a good man great. If Wallace account of his life is hero worship, so be it. Our time needs heroes. Joshua Chamberlain, in war and peace, was certainly an American hero for all seasons.