Title: The poetry of the American Civil War /
Authors: Steinmetz, Lee,; Lundberg, James M.,; Steinmetz, Lee,
Year: 2013
Subjects: American poetry; United States History Poetry.
Abstract: Deeply affecting and diverse in perspective, The Poetry of the American Civil War is the first comprehensive volume to focus entirely on poetry written and published during the Civil War. Of the nearly one thousand books of poetry published in the 1860s, some two hundred addressed the war in some way, and these collectively present a textured portrait of life during the conflict. The poets represented here hail from the North and the South, and at times mirror each other uncannily. Among them are housewives, doctors, preachers, bankers, journalists, and teachers. Their verse reflects the day-to-day reality of war, death, and destruction, and it contemplates questions of faith, slavery, society, patriotism, and politics. This is an essential volume for poetry lovers, historians, and Civil War enthusiasts alike.
Contents: The work of death -- Sadly silent near the dead -- They had heard the news of the battle -- To think that you died alone -- Vigil strange -- They bear him gently home -- Not e'en the house of God was spared -- Home, home again! -- God of the true-hearted -- But God he keeps the middle way -- To the plain where the blessed city lies -- In glory sleep! -- Lincoln is dead! -- Purchased with our Jackson's blood -- Thy pale and perished flowers -- Rightful order into ruin hurled -- The glowing wonders of secession -- Since mercy fell by tyranny -- Gaunt treason -- On none dependent, sovereign, free -- This broad domain that freedom craves -- The thirsty lash, with sharp, steel-pointed thong -- The festal march of iron -- Most glorious southern land -- Magical mesh, to entangle a world -- The book of books we confidently quote -- All Scripture is useful in its place -- Your father, boy, was eager -- She gave a shriek and cried aloud -- Their earthly paths no more shall sever.