Stonewall Jackson's Book of Maxims

I loved reading this book! Anecdotes were used from a multiple of sources to describe the marvelous character of General Jackson. The material presented here can readily be applied to your own life today. It is the kind of book you can read and walk away refreshed in not only learning what it takes to be a great man and American hero, but a true man of God. It will be a stretch for most readers just to reach up and touch General Stonewall Jackson's shoelaces.

Jackson is a fascinating man who had some really serious problems and issues but who was determined to apply his faith in God and his absolute best efforts towards being the very best man he could be. The commentary in this book draws that point out very well. The maxims are Jackson's self help book or memory aide to his efforts to overcoming his painful social awkwardness. In other words these are the things that Jackson felt he needed to work on badly enough to write down for future reference. As a piece of self revelation it is pretty profound. The quotes in the book from Jackson's wife and associates show just how far he got in his quest to improve. He never totally overcame a lot of his problems (after all, who does?), but the effort he put into the attempt is breathtaking and, as I found, very inspiring. This is a short book and well worth reading and re-reading.

Stonewall Jackson was heavily influenced by the writings of Lord Chesterfield and began collecting maxims as part of his search for status as a gentleman before he became famous during the war. These maxims he wrote into a personal notebook scholars had assumed lost - until James Robertson discovered it in the Tulane University archives in the 1990s. Jackson's maxims for gentlemanly behavior are here reproduced for modern audiences and Civil War fans alike. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a great book for people that like StoneWall, or don't have a lot of time to read. ( This is a short read). StoneWalls maxims can be used today as well. This book, also gives us a better understanding of this great American Hero. ( How hard General Jackson tried to be a perfect man, shines through, with this book. One can only admire General Jackson all the more) It is well worth the time spent reading it.

Stonewall Jackson's Book of Maxims is inspiring to say the least. Thomas Jackson grew up an orphan in the mountains of West Virginia, had less than a fourth-grade education when he entered West Point and ended up being a General in the Army. Thought to be obsessive, eccentric, and unable to chat at social events, Jackson hid from the world a man that he hoped to be someday. That other Jackson comes screaming out like his famous bloodcurdling rebel yell. "You may be what ever you will resolve to be" is etched over an archway at the Virginia Military Institute where he was also a professor.Thankfully his works were saved, lost, and found again, just like General Stonewall Jackson will be by you and your children's children through this book.