A collection of rare archival images and biographical sketches of the
dauntless women who served as nurses and caregivers during the Civil
War.
During the American Civil War, women on both sides of the conflict,
radiating patriotic fervor equal to their male counterparts, contributed
to the war effort in countless ways: forming charitable societies,
becoming nurses, or even marching off to war as vivandières,
unofficial attachés to the regiments.
In Faces of Civil War Nurses, Ronald S. Coddington turns his attention
to the experiences of 77 women of all ages and walks of life who
provided care during the war as nurses, aid workers, and vivandières.
Their personal narratives are as unique as fingerprints: each provides a
distinct entry point into the larger social history of the brutal and
bloody conflict. Coddington tells these determined women's stories
through letters, diaries, pension files, and newspaper and government
reports. Using identified tintypes and cartes de visite of women on
both sides of the war, many of them never before published, Coddington
uncovers the personal histories of each intrepid individual. Following
their postwar stories, he also explains how the bonds they formed
continued long after the cessation of hostilities.
The fifth volume in Coddington's series on Civil War soldiers, this
captivating microhistory will appeal to anyone with an interest in the
Civil War, women's studies, social history, nursing, or photography.
Praise for Ronald Coddington's Faces Series
"An engaging look at a neglected part of the history of the American
Civil War."--Booklist
"Coddington has hit upon a unique and fascinating niche in the seemingly
endless march of Civil War books."--C&RL News
"A lavishly produced visual record of southern Civil War soldiers . . .
will appeal to serious photography enthusiasts and collectors, as well
as those readers captivated by the personal stories of Civil War
soldiers."--Civil War Books and Authors
"Coddington's prose is as unpretentious as the faces he shares, yet
authoritative. It resurrects details that broaden our understanding of
those sad times and sheds valuable light on the shape of modern
culture."--Atlanta Constitution
"Even at a distance of over a hundred years, the faces staring out of
these pages create an undeniable emotional connection with the reader.
This book is highly recommended."--H-CivWar, H-Net Reviews
"A fascinating window into the war's impact on the individual soldier .
. . well researched and engagingly written. Any teacher of the Civil War
would do well to consult this volume and incorporate some of the
captivating tales into lectures and readings."--Journal of Military
History
