This Republic of Suffering

by Drew Gilpin Faust
This Republic of Suffering cover
Good Books rating 4.17
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 8835
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-24
  • ISBN: 9780307268587
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2008-01-08
  • Reviews: 3

This Republic of Suffering delves into the unprecedented carnage of the American Civil War, where an estimated 750,000 soldiers lost their lives. Drew Gilpin Faust examines how the survivors coped with the practical and emotional aftermath, and how a religious culture grappled with reconciling such immense suffering with their belief in a benevolent God. /n/n The book weaves together the voices of soldiers, families, statesmen, generals, preachers, poets, surgeons, nurses, and others to provide a vivid understanding of the war's most fundamental reality. With a new introduction by the author and a foreword by Mike Mullen, this history offers a deeply moving perspective on the Civil War's enduring legacy.

Reviews
Journal of the Civil War Era · 2023-09-05
landmark 4.00

The book focuses on New England's reactions, reflections, and reforms related to Civil War death, marking it as a landmark work. It is noted for its comprehensive exploration of the war's impact on society.

The Journal of the Civil War Era review highlights 'This Republic of Suffering' as a landmark work that delves into New England's responses to the Civil War's immense loss of life. They appreciate the book's thorough examination of the war's impact on society, particularly in terms of reactions, reflections, and reforms. The review emphasizes the book's significance in understanding the war's profound effects on American culture and society. They note that the author's research is comprehensive and insightful, making it a valuable resource for historians and scholars.

Quick quotes

    The book was mostly about New England reactions, reflection and reforms related to Civil War death.

    It is noted for its comprehensive exploration of the war's impact on society.

    A landmark work that delves into New England's responses to the Civil War's immense loss of life.

Patrick Treardon · Patrick Treardon · 2022-01-05
important 4.50

This book is a crucial read for anyone interested in the Civil War, offering a profound exploration of death and its impact on American society. It serves as an essential reference for future historians.

Patrick Treardon's review highlights the significance of 'This Republic of Suffering' as a pivotal work for understanding the Civil War's impact. They emphasize that the book delves deeply into the societal and cultural transformations brought about by the war's immense loss of life. Treardon believes it is a must-read for historians and anyone interested in this period, providing a unique perspective on how death reshaped the nation. They appreciate the author's thorough research and the book's ability to convey the profound changes in American society.

Quick quotes

    This Republic of Suffering is an important touchstone book for future historians and one that anyone interested in the Civil War needs to read.

    The book offers a profound exploration of death and its impact on American society.

    It serves as an essential reference for future historians.

The New York Times · 2008-01-27
extraordinary 4.00

The book is described as extraordinary, highlighting the lasting but little-understood impact of the Civil War's sacrifices. It offers a unique and illuminating perspective on the war's profound effects.

The New York Times review praises 'This Republic of Suffering' as an extraordinary book that sheds light on the often overlooked impact of the Civil War. They note that the author's exploration of how the war changed American society is both unique and illuminating. The review emphasizes the book's ability to convey the profound and lasting effects of the war's sacrifices, making it a significant contribution to Civil War literature. They appreciate the depth of research and the insightful analysis provided.

Quick quotes

    The lasting but little-understood impact of all that sacrifice is the subject of Drew Gilpin Faust's extraordinary new book.

    It offers a unique and illuminating perspective on the war's profound effects.

    The book sheds light on the often overlooked impact of the Civil War.

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