Through Blood & Fire by Mark Nesbitt

Though long overlooked by Civil War enthusiasts, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain has become a twentieth-century hero thanks to novels, film, and television. In "Through Blood and Fire" you'll learn why Chamberlain, a college professor, joined the war and how he triumphed through it. Chamberlain was a highly motivated man, and you'll come to understand what drove him as you read the letters he wrote during the long days at the battlefront.

Though the book covers only the War years, the reader is given a clear picture of the man Chamberlain was. From the letters presented here, it’s obvious that Chamberlain was an exceptional man. He gives up a sabbatical to Europe in order to fight for his country. That he does so, even after facing stiff resistance from Bowdoin College where he taught, adds to his stature.

He appears to love his new life, relishing the weather extremes and leaving to providence his own survival. Yet when lauded with praise, he would always lay those honors on “the Army,” the men he commanded.

1863 would bring Gettysburg and Little Round Top, where his reputation as a soldier was solidified. His letters describing this and other battles are detailed and precise. Though never dull, his letters to his wife give a more rounded view of the man, even if they tended to get somewhat flowery.

He would almost die more than once, first from “mararial fever,” in 1863. He was recovered enough to return to service by May of 1864. Almost immediately he would suffer wounds in the Battle of Petersburg. There was internal damage, yet Chamberlain would return to duty by November.

He would need additional surgery the following year, yet he would lead his men once again into battle and be given the honor of commanding the formal laying down of the colors and weapons of the Confederate Army at Appomattox.

He would serve his state and country for almost another fighter years. It was an extraordinary life of an extraordinary man.






Links are to more information regarding each book or author, not to the review.


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