PDF With Courage and Delicacy: Civil War on the Peninsula: Women and the U.S. Sanitary Commission by Nancy Scripture Garrison in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Historical perspective of women in the Civil WarBy Kathleen PickrellI purchased this book because of interest in the role of Civil War nurses; in general; and the Sanitation Commission's role; in particular. I found the book to be informative from the perspective of women who participated. The most interesting information came from the women themselves. While we read about the preparations; the men; and the subsequent battles; we do not have a clear behind-the-scenes picture. This book presents that perspective. The only criticism I have of the book is the writing style. It suffers from "which syndrome." Too much use of "which" became an obstacle for me. I pulled out my old copy of Strunk White to see if this was just my problem and found support for the argument that too many "whiches" may have spoiled this broth. I recommend this book for reading for the material it presents.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A good read.By D. MatthewsUsed for research. A good read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A highly instructive page turnerBy Marietta TelsHow Lucky I have been to have come across Mrs Nancy Scripture Garrison' s book " With Courage and Delicacy" Civil War on the Peninsula.In this book I got to know Georgeanna Woolsey; Katherine Wormeley and Eliza Howland; three women coming from affluent and highclass familie' s; who could have led pampered lives. Instead; they chose to confront the harsh realities and the hard work of nursing and comforting wounded soldiers during the Civil War; under primitive and appalling unhygienic circumstances; while doing this work full of sacrifice they also had to climb walls of male autority and prejudice. They - and with them - Louisa Schuyler and Dorothea Dix; unknowingly; have been paving the way to women' s emancipation; even though at the time; they did not realize this; since at that moment this was not their primary concern. While reading about these women; you would like to become one of their friends.Mrs Garrison uses fine subtle language; read the Preface in which the reader comes under the spell of Katherine' s house as if she were still living expressions like " a miscarriage of generosity".For the European reader this book is an eye opener to the significance of the Civil War in American History; about which we know only too little. The book has aroused my interest in further reading about this subject; as it is a highly instructive "page turner".