Photographic Atlas of Civil War Injuries. Foreword by Michael Rhode, Archivest, Otis Historical Archives.

Grand Rapids, Michigan: Medical Staff Press, L.C.C., (1996). First Edition. Signed by Bradley P. Bengtson. Quarto, black cloth (hardcover), gilt letters, xviii + 446 pp. Fine in a Fine dust jacket. From dust jacket: WElcome to the world of Civil War medicine. Although there has been a recent resurgence of interest in the American Civil War, to this point, very little information exists on the medical and surgical aspects of the Civil War. George A. Otis, M.D., the Second Curator of the Army Medical Museum, collected 400 photographs of soldier injuries and anatomical specimens from 1865 - 1881. He compiled them into eight volumes each containing 50 photographs with corresponding case histories. These original volumes, however, had a very limited circulation and very few complete sets still exist. This atlas presents all 400 photographs and case histories from Otis’ original volumes along with over 100 additional photographs compiled into one book. Unavailable for over 100 years, these photographs provide a graphic representation of the incredible sacrifice soldiers from both sides of the conflict made for a cause in which they so fervently believed. By reading these soldier stories and examining their wounds, the War suddenly becomes a very real and personal experience . One that you cannot distance yourself from easily. Included in this work is an informative description of Otis’ life and the historical progression of the Army Medical Museum by Michael Rhode. Following an in-depth preface describing the state of medicine at the onset of the War, individual photographs and cases bring to life the personal experiences injured soldiers faced. Aslo included is an extensive index tabulating the personal and regimental information of the soldiers, the battle in which they were injured, and the outcome of their treatement. With the use of an educational glossary, both the medically-educated and non-medical reader will gain an increased appreciation for medical and surgical care during the War. After reading this atlas our views of the American Civil War have forever been changed. We think yours will be also.