On Great Fields Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What leadership lessons emerge from Chamberlain’s life?

Key lessons include: * Adapting to crises (e.g., the bayonet charge at Gettysburg) * Leading through empathy rather than authority * Maintaining integrity during Reconstruction-era political strife

On Great Fields

Ronald C. White

4.83 (6 Reviews)

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Biography

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FAQs

Discover the stuttering boy who mastered nine languages and became Gettysburg's unlikely hero. Jon Meacham calls this bestseller "vital and vivid" - the definitive portrait of Joshua Chamberlain, whose battlefield brilliance and post-war leadership shaped modern America.

What is On Great Fields: The Life and Unlikely Heroism of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain about?

Ronald C. White’s biography chronicles the extraordinary life of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a Bowdoin College professor turned Civil War hero. While best known for his pivotal role in the Union victory at Gettysburg’s Little Round Top, the book also explores Chamberlain’s post-war leadership as Maine’s governor and Bowdoin’s president, revealing his intellectual depth, moral courage, and struggle to transition from soldier to civilian.

Who should read On Great Fields?

This book appeals to Civil War enthusiasts, leadership scholars, and readers interested in 19th-century American history. White’s rigorous research and narrative flair make it accessible for casual history buffs and academics alike, particularly those drawn to underappreciated figures who shaped U.S. history.

Is On Great Fields worth reading?

Yes. White combines meticulous scholarship with vivid storytelling, offering fresh insights beyond Chamberlain’s military feats. The inclusion of nine detailed maps and rare illustrations enhances its value as both a historical resource and an engaging biography.

How does On Great Fields redefine Joshua Chamberlain’s heroism?

The book argues Chamberlain’s true heroism emerged not just at Gettysburg but during his 1880 defense of Maine’s government against election fraud. White contrasts Chamberlain’s spontaneous battlefield bravery with his calculated, principled leadership during this political crisis.

What unique perspectives does Ronald C. White bring to Chamberlain’s story?

As a Lincoln and Grant biographer, White analyzes Chamberlain through the lens of leadership rhetoric and moral conviction. He highlights Chamberlain’s fluency in nine languages, his stuttering childhood, and his philosophical reflections on war’s psychological toll.

How does On Great Fields compare to earlier Chamberlain biographies?

This is the first major Chamberlain biography in 30 years, incorporating newly accessible letters and diaries. Unlike earlier military-focused accounts, White emphasizes Chamberlain’s intellectual growth and post-war civic contributions.

What leadership lessons emerge from Chamberlain’s life?

Key lessons include:

Adapting to crises (e.g., the bayonet charge at Gettysburg)
Leading through empathy rather than authority
Maintaining integrity during Reconstruction-era political strife

How does the book address Chamberlain’s post-war challenges?

White details Chamberlain’s struggle with PTSD-like symptoms and his quest for purpose through education reform and veterans’ advocacy, providing a nuanced portrait of Civil War veterans’ reintegration.

What role does religion play in Chamberlain’s story?

As a trained minister, Chamberlain viewed the Civil War through a moral lens, seeing preservation of the Union as a divine mandate. White traces how this worldview shaped his decisions in battle and governance.

Does On Great Fields feature visual aids?

Yes. The book includes nine battle maps, portraits, and photos of Chamberlain’s personal artifacts, helping readers visualize key moments like the Little Round Top defense.

How does White source Chamberlain’s personal life?

Using Chamberlain’s 100+ surviving letters to his wife Fanny, White reveals marital tensions exacerbated by war trauma and political ambitions, adding emotional depth to the historical record.

Why is Chamberlain relevant to modern readers?

His journey from scholar to soldier to statesman mirrors contemporary struggles with identity, duty, and moral leadership—particularly relevant in today’s polarized political climate.

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Key takeaways

When Duty Calls: The Extraordinary Life of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

00:00

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain stands as one of America's most remarkable yet overlooked leaders. Before becoming a Civil War hero, he was a mild-mannered Bowdoin College professor fluent in nine languages. His transformation culminated in his famous bayonet charge at Gettysburg's Little Round Top-a moment that may have saved the Union. Though forgotten for decades, Chamberlain experienced a cultural resurrection through Ken Burns' documentary "The Civil War" and the film "Gettysburg," which introduced millions to his extraordinary courage. What makes his story so compelling is how he repeatedly answered the call to serve-as soldier, governor, college president, and civic leader-always guided by unwavering principles rather than personal ambition. His life reveals how ordinary individuals can rise to extraordinary challenges when principle and opportunity converge.

Forged in Faith and Determination: The Making of a Leader

Scholar and Suitor: Finding His Voice and His Love

From Classroom to Battlefield: Answering the Call

The Crucible of Combat: Courage Under Fire

The Statesman Emerges: Leading Through Crisis

A Legacy of Honor: The Measure of the Man

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

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@Raaaaaachelw

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@Matt, YC alum

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

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@Pitiful

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On Great Fields by Ronald C. White Summary

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Key takeaways

When Duty Calls: The Extraordinary Life of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Forged in Faith and Determination: The Making of a Leader

Scholar and Suitor: Finding His Voice and His Love

From Classroom to Battlefield: Answering the Call

The Crucible of Combat: Courage Under Fire

The Statesman Emerges: Leading Through Crisis

A Legacy of Honor: The Measure of the Man

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Key takeaways

When Duty Calls: The Extraordinary Life of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Forged in Faith and Determination: The Making of a Leader

Scholar and Suitor: Finding His Voice and His Love

From Classroom to Battlefield: Answering the Call

The Crucible of Combat: Courage Under Fire

The Statesman Emerges: Leading Through Crisis

A Legacy of Honor: The Measure of the Man

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