Title: Stonewall Jackson’s Book of Maxims

Author: James I. Robertson Jr.

Publication date: Copyright 2002

Page count: 125 pages

Type: Nonfiction (Biography)

Started on:

Finished on:

My grade: A

Why did I decide to read this book?

The reason I decided to read this book was that Thomas Jonathon “Stonewall” Jackson has always been my idol in the Civil War. I have written several book reports and studied many hours at the computer about Stonewall Jackson. I had been searching for a different book about Stonewall when I came over Stonewall Jackson’s Book of Maxims. I did not grasp what the book was about until I started reading the induction of the book. After I stopped reading a little part of the introduction I realized that this book was different than any book about Stonewall Jackson that I have read. The introduction basically said that the book was regarding his maxims that he wrote during his short life.

Who was the general subject of the book?

The general subject of the book was Stonewall Jackson. He was born in Clarksburg, Virginia, which is now West Virginia, on January 21, 1824. Stonewall Jackson was the third child of Julia Beckwith Jackson and later died when Jackson was seven years old. Jackson was sent to live with his Uncle Cummins’s at his grist mill. When Jackson lived with his Uncle Cummins he was taught to be an exceptionally hard worker and self discipline. The book also talks about his later military and personal life.




What were some key events in this person’s life?

One of the most unfortunate events of Stonewall Jackson’s life was living without his mother or father. In 1842, Jackson secured him a position at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Jackson started at the bottom of his class because of his poor schooling, but eventually made it to the top 20 of his class. One event that took Jackson time overcoming was the death of his wife Elinor Junkin while she was in labor. Jackson served many tours in the Mexican-American War. During the end of the war he was awarded the rank of first-lieutenant. Thomas Jackson had several personal battles to conquer in his life yet in spite of his personal difficulties he worked to overcome his battles.

What was the most interesting thing I learned about this person? Why?

The most interesting thing I learned about Stonewall Jackson was how he thought a gentleman should behave around people. In section five, “Politeness and Good Breeding”, Jackson discussed his views on being a true gentleman. Politeness, kindest, eye-to-eye contact in conversations, never speaking too long, or interrupting a person who is speaking is examples of his gentleman standards. As I read the book it helped me to become a better gentleman. Although this book was written over 140 years ago some of those standards hold true today.

Overall, was the information presented in a interesting way?

The overall information was presented in an extremely interesting manner. The introduction of the book was compelling. It gives brief information regarding his childhood and adult life. The book was divided into sections with each section having a category, such as section I was, “Choice of Friends”, section II was “Rules of Conversation”. The overall intent of the book was Jackson’s view points about how a person should conduct their life.

What is the significance of the book's title? Is the title appropriate, or would I change it to something else?

The significance of the book title is that Stonewall is sharing the guiding principles of his life with the reader in the hope that the reader will learn and adjust their life accordingly. Yes, the title was entirely appropriate because Stonewall chose to share the principles upon which he conducted his life. Stonewall was a man of honor and self discipline though he may have fought against you in a war he still had respect for you. Even the title itself was significant. Whereas other have written their memoirs, he chose to share something more significant and I’m sure in his eyes more honorable, which in the final analysis was what he was all about.


What is my opinion of this book? Why (give specifics)?

My opinion of the book was that the book was remarkable. The reason why it is remarkable for me was because Stonewall Jackson was such a brilliant man. He has to be the perfect gentleman of all time. From not only reading this book, but also from studying about him, has made me look up to him and live by his standards. I have read many Civil War and Stonewall Jackson books, but this one has had most effect on me after reading it.
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