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41 pages 1 hour read

This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008

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Book Brief

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Drew Gilpin Faust

This Republic of Suffering

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1860s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

This Republic of Suffering by Drew Gilpin Faust examines how the unprecedented scale of death during the Civil War affected survivors, detailing struggles with logistical, spiritual, medicinal, and legal challenges. Faust explores soldiers' willingness to face death, new wartime killing attitudes, difficulties in proper burials, the anonymity of many deceased soldiers, civilian hardships, evolving religious beliefs, recovery of the dead, and how counting the dead became a coping mechanism. References to mass death, battle, and disease.

Melancholic

Informative

Contemplative

Dark

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.3

7,848 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

This Republic of Suffering by Drew Gilpin Faust offers a profound exploration of the Civil War's impact on American attitudes toward death. Critics praise its meticulous research and emotional depth, though some find its prose dense. While the narrative is compelling, occasional repetitiveness may deter some readers. Overall, it's a seminal yet challenging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read This Republic of Suffering?

A reader who enjoys exploring the profound human impact of war, particularly the Civil War, will find Drew Gilpin Faust's This Republic of Suffering compelling. Fans of McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom and Burns' The Civil War documentary will appreciate the detailed social history and emotional depth Faust provides.

4.3

7,848 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1860s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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