"Republic of Suffering" by Drew Gilpin Faust

Overview

• Author: Drew Gilpin Faust, historian and president of Harvard University.
• Book Title: This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War
• Theme: The transformative impact of Civil War deaths on America.

Key Points

Impact of Civil War Deaths

• Civil War death rate was significantly higher than World War II when adjusted for the size of the American population.
• The pervasive experience of death during the Civil War changed the fabric of American life and society.
• Faust argues that the shared suffering and memorialization of the Civil War helped bridge divisions related to race, citizenship, and nationhood.

Historical Context

• The Civil War's death toll had a profound effect on American culture and society.
• Death and the manner of dying became central experiences during and after the Civil War.

Reconciliation

• The book discusses how the common experience of loss during the Civil War eventually helped the United States overcome sectional differences.
• The memorialization of sacrifice played a crucial role in reuniting the North and South.

Position and Credentials

• Faust serves as the president of Harvard University and holds the Lincoln Professorship in History.

Additional Resources

• Purchase Options: Available on Amazon and through Independent Bookstores.
• Media: Heard on NPR's Fresh Air program.

Further Reading

• An excerpt from This Republic of Suffering provides more insight into Faust's arguments and historical analysis.

NPR Connection

• This interview and discussion were part of NPR's programming, supporting their educational and cultural missions.