Yankee Women: Gender Battles in the Civil War

by Elizabeth D. Leonard

“Vivid. . . . Yankee Woman forms a valuable contribution to the study of a pivotal event in American history and credibly delves beneath the hagiographies to the messy politics of women’s involvement in what was for them a new arena of public life.” ―Julie Wheelwright, London Sunday Times Yankee Woman examines the experiences of women in the Civil War and, in particular, the lives of three courageous and independent one a frontline nurse, the second a community organizer, and the third the only woman to serve as a Union army surgeon in the war. Elizabeth Leonard’s in-depth research and her ability to spin a captivating tale combine to make Yankee Woman both a fascinating study of gender politics in society and a thoroughly absorbing story―the story of three women ahead of their time.

Genres: Civil War, American History, Womens Studies, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I encountered this title while reading another book on the experiences women had in the Civil War. Not knowing much about this topic and never having heard about the author before it turned out to be a very informative read! The author focused on 3 different women each of whom played an important, albeit somewhat unsung at the time and long forgotten in mainstream thinking about the Civil War role. I came away impressed with their determination to contribute to the welfare of the soldiers they serves in the face of greatly adverse war time conditions and intense prejudice held by men against them. It was written in a highly readable, more narrative style rather than a dry, academic one.

I recommend it very highly for anyone wanting to learn about some heroic women who made important contributions in those very tumultuous days. It stimulated me to go on and read more books about other women who were significant in these times but whose deeds are not taught in most courses on American history: women Abolitionists, women spies and soldiers in the Civil War, women who worked for Reconstruction after that war, etc.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so interesting - as the author says in the introduction, we don’t usually learn about women’s roles in wartime before World War II. Thought she should specify this is about white, middle-class women, it was interesting to hear about the beginning of women in the nursing profession, another classic case of men taking over an industry once women put all the work in, and one particular woman who rejected the gender binary all together. A good read for history fans!

[Johanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chewy but interesting book about women in the American civil war. If this is your era of interest there is much to consider here- attitudes to women, class and acceptability and it would make a good jumping off point for further investigations. A touch too dry for the general feminist historian in me.

[Kimberlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected. I was looking for more information about Ms. Walker's life (Medal of Honor recipient) although she is mentioned in this book, this book focuses on what the title suggests, gender battles.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book on the lives of three women who 'participated' in the Civil War as health workers and the attitudes they struggled against.