A Vast Army of Women : Maine's Uncounted Forces in the American Civil War.

Rating:
Summary: Study of CW Women valid for North
Review: A Vast Army of Women not only relates the stories of Maine women and their important contributions to the war effort, but provides some very important contextual information about the formation of the Sanitary Commission. Furthermore, the book discusses the relationship between the Sanitary Commission and the army. Sudlow's history reveals that although unprepared for the casualties of war, the U.S. Army strongly resisted the help of the Sanitary Commission that saved many lives merely because it was from a source outside the military.

Sudlow's research uncovers the tales of women, although having Maine connections, that could have been from anywhere in the northern United States. In fact, one woman lived in Tennessee. These stories, collected from manuscripts and lesser known documents in many cases, highlight the important roles that women filled during the Civil War and in fact may have influenced the outcome of the war. Also, the stories illustrate that although disharmony existed between some of the nurses, many long-lived friendships were formed. Within the biographies included here, a reader can also discern the changing role of women as they took on burdens far greater than the traditional domestic role.

Do not be fooled into thinking that this book is about local history. It reflects northern history during the civil war with its indepth look at Maine women.

This is a very valuable addition to women's history.

Rating:
Summary: Study of CW Women valid for North
Review: A Vast Army of Women not only relates the stories of Maine women and their important contributions to the war effort, but provides some very important contextual information about the formation of the Sanitary Commission. Furthermore, the book discusses the relationship between the Sanitary Commission and the army. Sudlow's history reveals that although unprepared for the casualties of war, the U.S. Army strongly resisted the help of the Sanitary Commission that saved many lives merely because it was from a source outside the military.

Sudlow's research uncovers the tales of women, although having Maine connections, that could have been from anywhere in the northern United States. In fact, one woman lived in Tennessee. These stories, collected from manuscripts and lesser known documents in many cases, highlight the important roles that women filled during the Civil War and in fact may have influenced the outcome of the war. Also, the stories illustrate that although disharmony existed between some of the nurses, many long-lived friendships were formed. Within the biographies included here, a reader can also discern the changing role of women as they took on burdens far greater than the traditional domestic role.

Do not be fooled into thinking that this book is about local history. It reflects northern history during the civil war with its indepth look at Maine women.

This is a very valuable addition to women's history.

Rating:
Summary: A Must-Read: "A Vast Army of Women"
Review: What a wonderful job Lyn Sudlow did! This is such an important book, which highlights not only the unsung Civil War heroines of Maine, but represents the "vast" contributions of all of those women who will never be identified, from every State. The book clearly folows their struggle to rise to the unimaginable duty required of them during the War, and how the strengths they exhibited (rewarded, but often not), set the stage for the Suffrage Movement which was to follow. They proved themselves on many levels, and there would be no turning back! I cherished reading about each one of these women, most biographies being accompanied by a photo. The book was thoroughly researched, intelligently written, and well-edited. You don't need to be a historian to love this book! I enjoyed learning about everything from the shapes of the donuts sent to the troops, to the strength, courage and fortitude it took to manage a major medical operation on no budget and scarse supplies. (And, of course, an occasional "cat fight." I wonder how well I would have interacted with Dorothea Dix, whose responsibilities were unfathomable.) Again, this is a great historical contribution. I'm so grateful to Ms. Sudlow for publishing her extensive research, and look forward to her next work!

Rating:
Summary: A Must-Read: "A Vast Army of Women"
Review: What a wonderful job Lyn Sudlow did! This is such an important book, which highlights not only the unsung Civil War heroines of Maine, but represents the "vast" contributions of all of those women who will never be identified, from every State. The book clearly folows their struggle to rise to the unimaginable duty required of them during the War, and how the strengths they exhibited (rewarded, but often not), set the stage for the Suffrage Movement which was to follow. They proved themselves on many levels, and there would be no turning back! I cherished reading about each one of these women, most biographies being accompanied by a photo. The book was thoroughly researched, intelligently written, and well-edited. You don't need to be a historian to love this book! I enjoyed learning about everything from the shapes of the donuts sent to the troops, to the strength, courage and fortitude it took to manage a major medical operation on no budget and scarse supplies. (And, of course, an occasional "cat fight." I wonder how well I would have interacted with Dorothea Dix, whose responsibilities were unfathomable.) Again, this is a great historical contribution. I'm so grateful to Ms. Sudlow for publishing her extensive research, and look forward to her next work!