Carlton McCarthy (1847–1936)
Autore di Detailed Minutiae of Soldier Life in the Army of Northern Virginia, 1861-1865
Opere di Carlton McCarthy
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Detailed Minutiae of Soldier Life in the Army of… di Carlton McCarthy
This work is a memoir of the author's service with the Richmond Howitzers and contains a great deal of firsthand knowledge of details of military life generally overlooked in much of military history. The tone is decidedly biased toward the Confederacy and Cause; the author takes the position of an apologetic. This does not, however, diminish the evidence presented regarding military matters. This is an excellent source for insight into a particular unit within the ANV.
Given that this was first published in 1882, one expects some (a) racism, (b) damnyankee vitriol, and (c) romanticizing of the noble Confederate. One is not disappointed.
Except for that, however, this is a priceless little volume with precious few wasted words. For the writer, nearly every sentence in it provides at least one valuable fact: Taking research notes on it involves nearly reproducing the book in one's own files.
McCarthy covers everything in minute detail from what the common soldier ate on the march to the kinds of conversations he might have going into winter camp. The book is full of detailed scenes like his description of what happens when an entire regiment descends upon a farmer's well, and what the hapless family's farmyard looks like afterward. These are the kinds of things you will never find elsewhere if you are looking to immerse yourself in the life of a soldier. It's not dry recitation of fact that one might expect from the title, however; it is told with not only an eye for detail, but an ear for dialogue and a great sense of humor as well, so it makes for a very enjoyable read.
Belongs on every Civil War reference shelf.… (altro)
Except for that, however, this is a priceless little volume with precious few wasted words. For the writer, nearly every sentence in it provides at least one valuable fact: Taking research notes on it involves nearly reproducing the book in one's own files.
McCarthy covers everything in minute detail from what the common soldier ate on the march to the kinds of conversations he might have going into winter camp. The book is full of detailed scenes like his description of what happens when an entire regiment descends upon a farmer's well, and what the hapless family's farmyard looks like afterward. These are the kinds of things you will never find elsewhere if you are looking to immerse yourself in the life of a soldier. It's not dry recitation of fact that one might expect from the title, however; it is told with not only an eye for detail, but an ear for dialogue and a great sense of humor as well, so it makes for a very enjoyable read.
Belongs on every Civil War reference shelf.… (altro)
Statistiche
- Opere
- 1
- Utenti
- 143
- Popolarità
- #144,062
- Voto
- 3.8
- Recensioni
- 2
- ISBN
- 10