HOSPITAL SKETCHES FROM THE CIVIL WAR

The author of Little Women wrote personal letters which provide a raw and honest account of the reality of battlefield medicine during the American Civil War, a war which tore the country and families apart. Her compassionate narrative also highlights the under-appreciated role of women in medicine. While serving as a volunteer nurse for the Union Army, Louisa May Alcott recorded her experiences in the letters she sent home, later published as Hospital Sketches from the Civil War. 'A good fit of illness proves the value of health; real danger tries one's metal; and self-sacrifice sweetens character.' 'Although the manliest man among my forty, he said, 'Yes, ma'am', like a little boy; received suggestions for his comfort with the quick smile that brightened his whole face; and now and then, as I stood tidying the table by his bed, I felt him softly touch my gown, as if to assure himself that I was there. Anything more natural and frank I never saw...' Beautiful, wistful. 112pp, paperback.