Joshua Chamberlain is one of the most celebrated generals of the American Civil War. His military career began as a colonel in the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and he rose to the rank of brigadier general by the end of the war. Chamberlain is best known for his role in the Battle of Gettysburg, where he famously led a bayonet charge that broke the Confederate line and helped turn the tide of the battle in the Union’s favor.
After the war, Chamberlain served as the governor of Maine and as the president of Bowdoin College. He also wrote several books about his experiences during the war, including The Passing of the Armies: An Account of the Final Campaign of the Army of the Potomac, which is considered one of the best firsthand accounts of the Civil War.
If you’re interested in learning more about Joshua Chamberlain and the American Civil War, here are some of the best books about him:
The Passing of the Armies: An Account of the Final Campaign of the Army of the Potomac – Joshua Chamberlain
This book is Chamberlain’s firsthand account of the final campaign of the Army of the Potomac, which culminated in the Union victory at the Battle of Gettysburg. Chamberlain’s account is one of the most detailed and personal accounts of the Civil War, and it provides a unique perspective on one of the most important battles in American history.
The Life and Letters of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain – John C. Guild
This book is a biography of Chamberlain that was written by his son, John C. Guild. It includes a number of letters that Chamberlain wrote during the Civil War, which provide insight into his thoughts and experiences during the conflict.
Bayonets to Lances: The Civil War Career of Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain – Thomas Desjardin
This book is a detailed account of Chamberlain’s military career, from his early days as a colonel in the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment to his role in the Battle of Gettysburg and beyond. Desjardin provides a thorough and nuanced look at Chamberlain’s life and career, and how he became one of the most celebrated generals of the Civil War.
The Bravest Man: The Story of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and the Battle of Little Round Top – Bill O’Reilly
This book tells the story of the Battle of Little Round Top, which was one of the most important battles of the Civil War. O’Reilly focuses on Chamberlain’s role in the battle, and how his courageous actions helped turn the tide of the battle in the Union’s favor.
These are just a few of the many great books about Joshua Chamberlain and the American Civil War. If you’re interested in learning more about this important time in American history, these books are a great place to start.