I had previously read Killer Angels about 10
years ago and have been enjoying it again in preparation for our trip to Gettysburg. One of the characters who I greatly admire is the cerebral college professor from Maine, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Shaara's ability through him to articulate the meaning of the war and how America is really a nation based upon ideas is brilliant. I couldn't agree more with his assessment (P29-30). I have always taught my students that one of the unique features of this country is that we are a nation based on ideas as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This passage very eloquently expressing this sentiment. These ideas and documents are what bind us together as a nation.
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I throughly agree with you. JL Chamberlain has been my hero of the Civil War since the airing of Ken Burns "Civil War" in the early 90's. When David McCollough(sp) was talking and the fact that he had no formal military training and probably saved the Union with the "swinging gate" tactic, I was enthrolled with the courage, and more than that, the character of the man. I was glad to read the many chapters in KILLER ANGELS about him. I had to chuckle(morbidly) that after that defense of Little Round Top, tired, dirty and hoping to rrest in the rear-guess who wants them to participate in the events of the day- Gen. Pickett! I'm glad that after the sign up sheet was passed around last month, he was not taken. I look forward to sharing Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain with the group.
ReplyDelete(sorry, ohmyheck is mike nivens. My wife told me not to act STUPID!)
ReplyDeleteIn the past I've had strong emotions about the Civil War. My emotions were from the point of view of the blacks. How ridiculous to be owned. Still have a hard time wrapping my head around that. I had very little knowledge of the battles and the leading men. I have a whole new view of the other struggles in the Civil War. I made this comment on another post, but I will make it again: As the South headed in the last day, I wanted to stop them. I'd come to know the men and I didn't want casualties on either side.
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