Famed Civil War author dead at 89 By Associated Press BRUNSWICK, Maine - Historian John J. Pullen, whose accounts of the Civil War spurred interest in Gen. Joshua Chamberlain, died Tuesday at his home. He was 89. A former newspaper reporter who later went into advertising, Pullen was best known for his 1957 book, "The Twentieth Maine," which recounted Chamberlain's heroism at the Battle of Gettysburg. Pullen died within days of the opening of "Gods and Generals," the second Civil War screen epic in which Chamberlain was featured. "He was definitely responsible for revitalizing interest in Chamberlain," said Deborah Smith, executive director of the Pejepscot Historical Society. "And he did it as a real original." "The Twentieth Maine" was picked up by Readers Digest Books and enjoyed wide circulation, Smith said. Pullen's other books include "A Shower of Stars: The Medal of Honor and the 27th Maine," "Patriotism in America: A Study of Changing Devotions," "The Transcendental Boiled Dinner" and "Comic Relief: The Life and Laughter of Artemus Ward." Artist Joseph Query of Swanville worked closely with Pullen during the past few years while creating the bronze sculpture of Chamberlain that will be erected in Brunswick this spring. "When I heard he died, I felt a very deep loss," said Query, noting that they had become close friends. At a Joshua Chamberlain Roundtable three years ago in Pullen's honor, Tom Desjardins, author of "Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine: The Twentieth Maine and the Gettysburg Campaign," cited Pullen's influence on another author. Michael Shaara was working on a book about the Civil War in the early 1970s, according to Desjardins, and was looking for a strong Union character for his narrative. A reader of "The Twentieth Maine" suggested Chamberlain, and Shaara went on to write "Killer Angels," which was the basis for the film "Gettysburg." Pullen recently completed a children's book about Chamberlain, which is being shown by his family to publishers. Query drew some illustrations for the book, and will complete the drawings if a publisher expresses interest. A Colby College graduate, Pullen served in the field artillery during World War II, rising from private to captain. After the war, he worked as a reporter for the Kennebec Journal in Augusta. He then worked in advertising in Philadelphia before resigning in 1965 to concentrate on book and magazine writing. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Towle Pullen and three stepchildren. A memorial service will be held in the spring Desoto Joe/The Record Man