Hymns of the Republic

I just finished Hymns of the Republic, a fabulous Civil War history by S. C. Gwynne, the second time the author has been reviewed in this blog. I raved about Empire of the Summer Moon, and I had a similar positive feeling about this one. Although this book is a bit off-genre because it’s nonfiction, the action of the story which focuses on the fourth and final year of the Civil War is incredible. Lincoln’s run for reelection in 1864 was in deep trouble, and until Ulysses Grant arrived on the scene, Lincoln's generals were not making progress in the war against the South despite having significantly favorable population numbers and factory production of weapons. The public was growing tired of the high cost of the war.

In a graphic manner, Gwynne captured the essence of having been a soldier during the pre-antibiotic era, as well as the generally miserable soldier’s life. Gwynne also told the story of Clara Barton, “the Battlefield Angel.” She had a major impact on the treatment of soldiers both during and after the war, and she was a remarkable woman who took care of the injured troops despite significant prejudice against her presence in the war theater. He also captured the horrors of Sherman’s march to the sea in a way that I had not fully grasped before. Both sides had generals who were making big mistakes which costs the lives of thousands of men.

Near the end of the book, Gwynne addressed both the events which led to the war’s end at Appomattox and the assassination of Lincoln. I love American history and I’m thrilled that I got to read this book. Thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing me with a prepublication copy, and I believe that this nonfiction work has only been released for purchase in the last few days. If you are a fan of this period of American history, then reading this book is a must. Gwynne is clearly a master of nonfiction writing.