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The Better Angel: Walt Whitman in the Civil War
For nearly three years, Walt Whitman immersed himself in the devastation of the Civil War, tending to thousands of wounded soldiers and recording his experiences with an immediacy and compassion unequaled in wartime literature anywhere in the world.
In The Better Angel , acclaimed biographer Roy Morris, Jr. gives us the fullest account of Whitman's profoundly transformative Civil War years and an historically invaluable examination of the Union's treatment of its sick and wounded. Whitman was mired in depression as the war began, subsisting on journalistic hackwork, his "great career" as a poet apparently stalled. But when news came that his brother George had been wounded at Fredericksburg, Whitman rushed south to find him. Deeply affected by his first view of the war's casualties, he began visiting the camp's wounded and found his calling for the duration of the war. Three years later, he emerged as the war's "most unlikely hero," a living symbol of American democratic ideals of sharing and brotherhood.
Brilliantly researched and beautifully written, The Better Angel explores a side of Whitman not fully examined before, one that greatly enriches our understanding of his later poetry. Moreover, it gives us a vivid and unforgettable portrait of the "other army"--the legions of sick and wounded soldiers who are usually left in the shadowy background of Civil War history--seen here through the unflinching eyes of America's greatest poet.
In The Better Angel , acclaimed biographer Roy Morris, Jr. gives us the fullest account of Whitman's profoundly transformative Civil War years and an historically invaluable examination of the Union's treatment of its sick and wounded. Whitman was mired in depression as the war began, subsisting on journalistic hackwork, his "great career" as a poet apparently stalled. But when news came that his brother George had been wounded at Fredericksburg, Whitman rushed south to find him. Deeply affected by his first view of the war's casualties, he began visiting the camp's wounded and found his calling for the duration of the war. Three years later, he emerged as the war's "most unlikely hero," a living symbol of American democratic ideals of sharing and brotherhood.
Brilliantly researched and beautifully written, The Better Angel explores a side of Whitman not fully examined before, one that greatly enriches our understanding of his later poetry. Moreover, it gives us a vivid and unforgettable portrait of the "other army"--the legions of sick and wounded soldiers who are usually left in the shadowy background of Civil War history--seen here through the unflinching eyes of America's greatest poet.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 22, 2025
Walt Whitman's Civil War
"The Better Angel" is a study of Walt Whitman's activities during the American Civil War. Prior to the War, Whitman had already written most of the poetry that would ultimately establish his reputation as the greatest and most quintesssentially American poet. With the publication of his Civil War poems, "Drum -Taps" and works in commemoration of President Lincoln (primarily, "When Lilacs Last in Dooryard Bloomed", Whitman had a second flowering as a poet. These works bear eloquent testimony to the trials that the United States had undergone and to Whitman's vision of America.
Morris's book begins with Whitman in New York City at the outbreak of the War with the poet living a rootless, somewhat purposeless life focused on the bohemian taverns of New York City. With the thought that his brother George might be wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Whitman visited the site, viewed the carnage of the War, and returned changed.
The book details how Whitman worked as a nurse in Washington D.C. visiting and tending the sick and wounded. Morris presents graphic descriptions of Civil War Era illnesses and wounds and of the relatively primitive state of American medicine for treating the endless ranks of the sick and wounded.
Whitman made the rounds of the hospitals, brought cheer and comfort to the sick, wrote letters for them home and made them small gifts of food, tobacco, and necessaries. He received the gratitude of many a young man and his family. Morris establishes the distinguished character of Whitman's war service.
In some instances, Whitman became emotionally and perhaps homoerotically attached to the young men in his charge. Morris's descriptions of these relationships are models of restraint and judgment.
Throughout the study, Morris amplifies his discussion of Whitman's war activities by quotations from his great collection of Civil War poetry, "Drum Taps". Little is known about the precise dates of composition of the poems in this collection. They represent, however, a major literary legacy of the Civil War era. I turned to and reread the poems with renewed understanding after completing Morris's biography.
The Civil War was a watershed for the United States both politically and culturally. Whitman and his contemporary, Herman Melville, were among the few writers whose work encompasses both sides of the Civil War divide. Both wrote memorable books of poetry about the War. (Melville's book is titled "Battle-Pieces".)
In their poignancy, variety, and sweep, Whitman's poetry can illuminate the meaning of the Civil War and the promise of the United States. This book, in turn, illuminates Whitman, his work and his life.
Robin Friedman
"The Better Angel" is a study of Walt Whitman's activities during the American Civil War. Prior to the War, Whitman had already written most of the poetry that would ultimately establish his reputation as the greatest and most quintesssentially American poet. With the publication of his Civil War poems, "Drum -Taps" and works in commemoration of President Lincoln (primarily, "When Lilacs Last in Dooryard Bloomed", Whitman had a second flowering as a poet. These works bear eloquent testimony to the trials that the United States had undergone and to Whitman's vision of America.
Morris's book begins with Whitman in New York City at the outbreak of the War with the poet living a rootless, somewhat purposeless life focused on the bohemian taverns of New York City. With the thought that his brother George might be wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, Whitman visited the site, viewed the carnage of the War, and returned changed.
The book details how Whitman worked as a nurse in Washington D.C. visiting and tending the sick and wounded. Morris presents graphic descriptions of Civil War Era illnesses and wounds and of the relatively primitive state of American medicine for treating the endless ranks of the sick and wounded.
Whitman made the rounds of the hospitals, brought cheer and comfort to the sick, wrote letters for them home and made them small gifts of food, tobacco, and necessaries. He received the gratitude of many a young man and his family. Morris establishes the distinguished character of Whitman's war service.
In some instances, Whitman became emotionally and perhaps homoerotically attached to the young men in his charge. Morris's descriptions of these relationships are models of restraint and judgment.
Throughout the study, Morris amplifies his discussion of Whitman's war activities by quotations from his great collection of Civil War poetry, "Drum Taps". Little is known about the precise dates of composition of the poems in this collection. They represent, however, a major literary legacy of the Civil War era. I turned to and reread the poems with renewed understanding after completing Morris's biography.
The Civil War was a watershed for the United States both politically and culturally. Whitman and his contemporary, Herman Melville, were among the few writers whose work encompasses both sides of the Civil War divide. Both wrote memorable books of poetry about the War. (Melville's book is titled "Battle-Pieces".)
In their poignancy, variety, and sweep, Whitman's poetry can illuminate the meaning of the Civil War and the promise of the United States. This book, in turn, illuminates Whitman, his work and his life.
Robin Friedman
November 15, 2014
I will say this first because it cannot be ignored. This American poet was, sadly, a racist - so much so that he could not understand Lincoln showing the same respect for black Union soldiers as he [Lincoln] had for whites. It is hard to reconcile this attitude with the sweeping Whitman verse that seems to include every American. But it didn't include everyone - at least not as far as the poet saw it. This is when the idea that the text stands alone becomes most attractive.
Morris painstakingly shows how Whitman did tend to the (white) wounded and dying soldiers, especially in the Washington hospitals. He did much good here - a ministering angel to those young men. This care left him physically and mentally exhausted.
This is an especially good read for a student of the history of medicine. Morris gives us a harrowing look at the medical practices - not the dramatic and often untrue picture of sawing of limbs without anesthesia but the less dramatic but cruel death from infection and dysentery.
Morris painstakingly shows how Whitman did tend to the (white) wounded and dying soldiers, especially in the Washington hospitals. He did much good here - a ministering angel to those young men. This care left him physically and mentally exhausted.
This is an especially good read for a student of the history of medicine. Morris gives us a harrowing look at the medical practices - not the dramatic and often untrue picture of sawing of limbs without anesthesia but the less dramatic but cruel death from infection and dysentery.
June 5, 2009
Read this book.
Next read Whitman's poem "Come Up from the Fields Father."
Then you will understand the price one pays to transform grief and compassion into great art.
Next read Whitman's poem "Come Up from the Fields Father."
Then you will understand the price one pays to transform grief and compassion into great art.
June 16, 2014
Like many men (and women) of his era, Walt Whitman was defined and shaped by the Civil War. The four years he spent in Washington, nursing and tending to the sick and wounded soldiers in the hospitals of the capital, 'saved' him, in his own words - gave him focus and reason and purpose. His entire life, by his own admission somewhat wasteful and aimless until then, became subsumed in his ministration to the poor boys of the Union, and sometimes the Confederacy too.
This is an immensely poignant read. Whitman devoted his life to his soldiers, his boys, bringing them candy and tobacco and books, writing their letters for them, holding their hands through sickness and suffering, talking to them, listening to them, sometimes doing no more and no less than simply be there at their side. It is no wonder many of the soldiers were devoted to him, staying in touch years after the war, naming their sons after him, calling him 'dear friend', 'dear brother', 'dear father'. That Whitman could feel and inspire such love for men he scarcely knew is only to his credit, and it is a capacity that also shows in his regard for Abraham Lincoln, a man he saw many times and yet never spoke to.
Morris clearly feels an intense sympathy and tenderness for Whitman, and it shows in every page. There is a lyricism to his words very much in keeping with his subject. I could have wished this book to be twice as long as it is.
This is an immensely poignant read. Whitman devoted his life to his soldiers, his boys, bringing them candy and tobacco and books, writing their letters for them, holding their hands through sickness and suffering, talking to them, listening to them, sometimes doing no more and no less than simply be there at their side. It is no wonder many of the soldiers were devoted to him, staying in touch years after the war, naming their sons after him, calling him 'dear friend', 'dear brother', 'dear father'. That Whitman could feel and inspire such love for men he scarcely knew is only to his credit, and it is a capacity that also shows in his regard for Abraham Lincoln, a man he saw many times and yet never spoke to.
Morris clearly feels an intense sympathy and tenderness for Whitman, and it shows in every page. There is a lyricism to his words very much in keeping with his subject. I could have wished this book to be twice as long as it is.
December 6, 2021
The Better Angel, Walt Whitman in the Civil War, by Roy Morris Jr. (2000, 244pp). For me, this was a wonderful introduction to one of America’s most celebrated poets. It focuses on Whitman and the time he spent in and around Washington D.C. during the civil war. In addition to making a living in various positions in and out of government, he spent considerable time visiting many of the seemingly innumerable hospitals in which both Union and Confederate soldiers lay recovering from, if not succumbing to, their wounds and deadly illnesses. Indirectly, this book is a window into the horrific state of medical care generally available at that time, let alone the often horrendous conditions in which wounded and sick soldiers found themselves on the battlefield or even in camp. Whitman was a passionate caregiver, if only as a volunteer offering his loving presence, letter writing, and minor gifts that meant so much to the men with whom he visited and interacted day after day for months and even years. Whitman kept detailed diaries of his interactions with patients, so we know the names, ranks, units, and other personalized information about many of the men with whom he became acquainted.
February 19, 2022
Morris has created a thrilling narrative and compelling portrait of one of the greatest of American poets. Focusing on Whitman's time spent as nurse and chronicler of the Civil War the work presents a particularly thorough and informative account of his activities during that period. Overall it is a balanced and insightful portrait of a complex man discovering himself and his poetry through the injured sons of the nation he loved.
December 15, 2024
Enjoyed this. I'm not a fan of poetry, so my knowledge of Walt Whitman was nil - dude had an interesting life, though. Focuses mainly on the large hospitals in the DC area after the battles of 1863-4, and the frightful state of care of the wounded.
March 15, 2017
Excellent biography of Walt Whitman. I recognize not everyone will enjoy this book as much as I did. The mix of Civil War history, prose and poetry was what captured my interest.
July 13, 2022
This is a decent account of Walt Whitman during the Civil War, particular his efforts to comfort wounded soldiers in hospitals.
July 6, 2025
I enjoyed this book as a quick read. Learned things I was unaware of.
February 1, 2023
I would like to revisit this title soon, not only because it is a good read but also because I have recommended it to almost every visitor at work who has inquired about Whitman's time working the hospital tents during the Civil War. I am working on transcribing my own notes regarding Walt's "Specimen Days and Collect," one of the primary sources for this title. I don't think that I could say that I ever grasped the gravity or the horror of the Civil War completely until I read "The Better Angel" and this text is also starting to help me understand the emotional scars on the country and it's people that were left behind by this bloody war.
September 28, 2010
This book is a shocking look at medical conditions during the American Civil War. The author traces Walt Whitman's actions during the war and how he served the injured soldiers. In doing this he exposes the true horror of the war, the fact that many more died in hospitals or in camps of wounds and disease than did from battle. The methods and lack of sanitary conditions would shock even the most familiar reader. This is a book every Civil War buff should read.
December 6, 2008
This book is about Walt Whitman during the civil war & is very illuminating. I did not know he had ruined his own health in caring for wounded soldiers- I also didn't know that he was a racist but I still came away with a greater respect than I had before for this talented yet flawed man.
December 6, 2013
Uncle Walt, an American hero! This biography is packed full of information,inspiration and insight. The reader comes to understand the depths of the compassionate man; in this case, one who serves in the hospitals of a war-torn America at the height of the Civil War.
January 3, 2009
A lovely little book recounting how the fresh horror of the Civil War awoke the poet's gentle spirit and gave him new purpose.
November 28, 2012
3.8 stars. Fascinating glimpse into both Whitman and the war.
February 14, 2013
Interesting and highly readable look at how Walt Whitman spent the Civil War (writing, working as a volunteer in a hospital for the Civil War wounded in D.C., etc.).
November 28, 2015
Walt Whitman visited and comforted wounded soldiers during the Civil War, and their pain and selflessness affected him deeply, a silver lining on a very dark cloud.
October 16, 2016
informative, interesting.
June 22, 2008
Beautifully written.
December 23, 2010
Walt and the war, great insight into the later period of his life and how he connected with people.
November 1, 2014
Really great history on Whitman in the Civil War. Made me wish I could meet him.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews