Civil War Hospital Newspapers - by Ira Spar (Paperback)

About the Book

"Of the 192 Union military hospitals during the Civil War, nine circulated newspapers written, edited and printed by convalescents. This book covers the founding and development of nine hospital newspapers, each explored by subject matter: patriotism, politics, religion, satire, romance and marriage, battlefield experience and treatment of prisoners of war"--

Book Synopsis

Nine of the 192 Union military hospitals during the Civil War circulated newspapers edited and printed by convalescents. The horrors of wound infection and amputation were reported in the words of surgeons, nurses and patients. Sermons cautioned against drink, tobacco and profanity while stressing patriotic sacrifice. Those who experienced the war wrote about it in simple narratives, and these are extensively quoted.

Convalescent life was painful and terrifying. Bedridden for months with fever and festering wounds, disabled veterans wondered who would respond to their needs. Who would hire them? Who would marry them?

This book covers the founding and development of nine hospital newspapers, each fully explored for such topics as patriotism, politics, religion, satire, romance and marriage, battlefield experience and treatment of prisoners of war.

Review Quotes

"a fascinating compilation and discussion of nine Civil War newspapers"-ARBA; "this historical study looks at nine newspapers that were written and edited by injured Union soldiers in military hospitals. Each chapter describes the founding and evolution of a hospital and its role in providing health care to soldiers"-ProtoView.

About the Author

Ira Spar, M.D., is president of the Hartford Medical Society, a board member of the Society of Civil War Surgeons, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He served as a U.S. Army battalion surgeon in the Vietnam War and lives in Farmington, Connecticut.