Chamberlain’s War – Mitchell G. Klingenberg

Zinn: Historian Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain sought not a complete history, but “to hold fast the image which passed before [his] eyes” Chamberlain’s The Passing of the Armies , a history of the Fifth US Army Corps , Army of the Potomac , in the Appomattox Campaign , appeared in 1915 .

Zinn says Chamberlain 's longevity, active participation in postwar commemorations at Gettysburg , and his myriad contributions to the war's historical record.

Michael Shaara's 1974 novel The Killer Angels depicts the Maine volunteer as the victor at Little Round Top in an epic recreation of the fierce fighting that transpired at Gettysburg .

Shaara ’s novel endeared Chamberlain to readers enthralled by the centennial commemorations from 1961 to 1965 .

Chamberlain endured several postwar surgeries and their attendant complications: chronic bacterial infections and urinary tract infections.

Author: Chamberlain represented the best of an American tradition that championed an armed people and expressed boundless confidence in the military potential and skillfulness of the educated, loyal citizen.

Chamberlain ’s enduring appeal lies in what he represents: the beau-ideal of the citizen-soldier, a talented if frustrated academician who, despite unfamiliarity with military life prior to entering the service, endured intensive drill.