The Soldier's Pen: Firsthand Impressions of the Civil War
Bonner is the author of two previous books on the Civil War. This riveting and moving compilation is the product of his access to the rich, privately held Gilder Lehman Collection of documents and illustrations. Bonner uses the letters, journal entries, and sketches of 16 Civil War infantrymen, all previously unpublished, to convey the experiences of war as recounted by those who witnessed it at its most elemental level. The soldiers were Unionists and Confederates; some were common workers, some were well educated, and some were from the Southern gentry. There are letters to wives and sweethearts that convey a sense of longing and loneliness. Other letters touch on the monotony of camp life, the comradeship of men under arms, and the novelty of entering different regions of the country. Some of the sketches drip with sarcastic exaggeration. As expected, the most disturbing and poignant images are conveyed by those who describe battles and their aftermath. This work will be an excellent addition to Civil War collections.Jay FreemanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.