Maine Books

While some in the Civil War community complain of "Chamberlain fatigue," it is difficult to gripe about this marvelous new collection of postwar correspondence from one of the most articulate officers on either side of the conflict.

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain survived the Civil War - including a horrible wound at Petersburg - to become one of Maine's most prominent citizens. His postwar career included four terms as governor of Maine, a stint as president of Bowdoin College, numerous business enterprises, and perhaps most importantly, many years as a writer and lecturer on his Civil War experiences.

The correspondence included by editor Jeremiah Goulka covers nearly every aspect of Chamberlain's personal and professional life. Chamberlain's heartfelt letters to his family, especially those to his wife Fannie, reveal him to be a loving, thoughtful husband and father. His relationship with Fannie, stormy and difficult though it was for many years, survived numerous crises until Fannie's death in 1905.

Chamberlain's Civil War experiences transformed him, and his separation from the army often left him feeling restless. In 1870, Chamberlain wrote to the King of Prussia and offered his services in Prussia's war with France. In 1898, Chamberlain contacted the Secretary of War to volunteer for the Spanish-American War. Even with all his postwar positions and projects, Chamberlain never quite filled the space in his soul left empty by the end of the Civil War.

Critics of Chamberlain, in his lifetime and in our own time, claim that he inflated his role at Little Round Top in an attempt to horde the glory of that important engagement. At least one letter included in this volume refutes this criticism. In a January 1910 letter to Union veteran and author Oliver W. Norton, Chamberlain says of his brigade commander, Strong Vincent, "He was a noble man, and I have not known an abler commander in his grade. Nothing could exceed his skill and energy in taking the position on Little Round Top and the confidence he inspired in his subordinates. To this the result of the fight on the left at Round Top is very largely due [emphasis added]."

The correspondence also clarifies an often incorrectly reported fact concerning the July 1913 fiftieth anniversary reunion at Gettysburg. Chamberlain, while he visited Gettysburg in May as a member of the planning commission, did not attend the July reunion. Chamberlain's doctor strongly urged him not to go due to his declining health, and he stayed behind in Maine.

Rather than being castigated for his prolific eloquence, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain deserves the timeless thanks of everyone who studies the Civil War. Jeremiah Goulka deserves thanks as well, for his skillful editing, and for giving us a deeper understanding of a genuine American hero.

Different than the mass produced puzzle books - this was delightfully written and illustrated by a mother and it is entertaining and unique. Lots of interesting little tidbits about the state woven into the puzzles. Lots of fun.

This is possibly the best (definitely one of the best) existing books on the history of Old Orchard Beach. The book's format makes a fascinating subject also an easy read. It is extemely unfortunate that the book is out of print--if you have any interest in Old Orchard Beach's history, this book is a must read.

This is the first of this author's novels that I've read but I logged on to go read more about her. This novel set before the American Revolution draws on the perspectives of many characters tied together by the murder of one family in Maine by the British. It's beautifully written.

If you're traveling our northeastern border (or even want to), you need this book. Populations are sparse in this region but artisans abound. You won't want to miss the opportunity to find the best. Easy to use and quite well illustrated.

For all of you out there who have a special place in your heart for Maine hunting and fishing memories, I believe that you'd really like this book. I grew up in the Maine outdoors and Tom brings back many memories of "old timers" and trips from years gone by. Maine, named appropriately as God's country, is a very unique and special state that has left its mark in many of those who were born here. Tom really brings this out in a profound way through his stories and remarkable drawings!

This book focuses more on the land around the author's dwelling than her family or friends, as other books do. However, she makes stories about the land interesting, drawing on local characters and her gift of storytelling. I really liked thsi book. Very easy to read.

Keep your family warm or do knitting for charity; either way, this book is charming and useful.

The book has Maine-inspired designs such as Blueberries, Pine Trees, and Puffins (cute penguin-like birds) and such charming motifs as Country Geese and Crayon Kids. Also has two patterns for Christmas stockings. For Mainers, there is also a State of Maine pillow.

Everyone can use a hat or an extra pair of mittens and they don't take a lot of wool to make. See my list (listmania) for other hat and mitten books.

The Henhouse: A Ture Story Of Life On A Maine Farm is based on a personal childhood adventure of author Carol Shorey in a charming, instructive story of a young girl who begs her father to let her help him take care of the chickens. There, young Carol encounters the sights, sounds, and smells of hundreds of roosters and hens -- and is pecked by aggressive roosters until her father comes to the rescue, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her away to safety. Very highly recommended for school and community library collections, this thoroughly entertaining picture book story is wonderfully illustrated in watercolor artwork by Sandra Dunn.

Like the book My wife and I like going to new places for a weekend .