A review by marginaliant
This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War by Drew Gilpin Faust

5.0

This book was recommended to me two years ago by my high school American History teacher, a confederate reenacter who is obsessed with bacon. That last part wasn't relevant, but it comes to mind. Anyway, I can see why he recommended it. While the book focuses very little on the actual battle history of the Civil War (you'd better have some idea what the significance of Appomattox and Gettysburg were before you pick it up), it gives an excellent history of the death culture surrounding the civil war. It's a truly fantastic resources, first hand accounts and records make up the most of the facts contained in the book, but it is in no way difficult or strenuous to read. I finished it in a few hours over two days and feel I've come away from it a lot more informed. Death culture in the civil war is complex, tied up in the emotional distress of combat and loss hitherto unknown to the American people, and Faust makes near perfect sense of it. It's a very Christian focused book because of the Christian influence in America but Faust also mentions Jews and their reaction to the war and mourning, which was unexpected and wonderful. I would have loved to see more about material mourning culture, but that's for another book. This one is just fine as is. Thank you, Faust.