Uncover the gripping narrative of 'A Worse Place Than Hell', a compelling exploration of the impact of the Battle of Fredericksburg on five unforgettable lives. Set against the backdrop of December 1862, this meticulously researched historical account delves into how the Civil War transformed America through the eyes of significant figures: Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Walt Whitman, Louisa May Alcott, John Pelham, and Arthur Fuller. Follow their diverse paths shaped by duty and desire as they navigate the turbulent times of war, each driven by aspirations and personal challenges. John Matteson's storytelling captivates readers as it intertwines personal narratives with the broader cultural landscape of America during one of its most trying periods. This 528-page paperback from W W Norton & Company, published in 2021, is a must-read for history enthusiasts and those interested in the profound societal changes triggered by conflict. Experience how the moral complexities and human experiences during this era continue to echo in today's society. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780393247077
Year: 2021
Publisher: W W Norton & Company
Pages: 528


Description:


In December 1862, the Battle of Fredericksburg shattered Union forces and threatened to break apart Abraham Lincoln's government. Five extraordinary individuals experienced Fredericksburg's cataclysmic repercussions?Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Walt Whitman, Louisa May Alcott, John Pelham, and Arthur Fuller. Guided by duty, driven by desire, they moved toward lofty destinies: a young Harvard intellectual steeped in courageous ideals, a gay Brooklyn poet condemned by guardians of propriety, a struggling writer desperate to serve the cause and gain her philosopher father's admiration, a West Point cadet from Alabama excelling in artillery tactics, and a one-eyed minister seeking to prove his manhood.


Because of what they saw and suffered, America, too, would never be the same. In A Worse Place Than Hell, John Matteson creates a gripping tale of the Civil War and profound cultural transformation. He etches an exquisite portrait, revealing through these lives how America was redefined by its most tragic conflict.