Doctors in Blue - by George Worthington Adams (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Similar in scope to H. H. Cunningham's Doctors in Gray, George Worthington Adams' Doctors in Blue, originally published more than forty years ago and now available for the first time in paperback, remains the definitive work on the medical history of the Union army. Adams calculates that 300,000 Union soldiers lost their lives during the war. Confederate attacks account for only a third of these deaths, disease for the rest. In addition, there were a startling 400,000 wounded or injured and almost 6,000,000 cases of illness.

Undoubtedly, behind the sickness and mortality statistics of the Civil War lie ignorance and inefficiency. But Doctors in Blue reveals the earnestness, cooperative spirit, and great scientific strides of the period as well.

From the Back Cover

Similar in scope to H. H. Cunningham's Doctors in Gray, George Worthington Adams' Doctors in Blue, originally published more than forty years ago and now available for the first time in paperback, remains the definitive work on the medical history of the Union army. Adams calculates that 300,000 Union soldiers lost their lives during the war. Confederate attacks account for only a third of these deaths, disease for the rest. In addition, there were a startling 400,000 wounded or injured and almost 6,000,000 cases of illness. Undoubtedly, behind the sickness and mortality statistics of the Civil War lie ignorance and inefficiency. But Doctors in Blue reveals the earnestness, cooperative spirit, and great scientific strides of the period as well.

Review Quotes

Doctors in Blue at once becomes the standard medical history of the Union Army.-- "New York Times"

G. W. Adams has competently filled a part of the gap in medical history with this medical history of the Union army. His book is the first modern comprehensive treatment of the subject. It ought to be welcome and read by every student of the Civil War.--T. Harry Williams "Saturday Review"

This is a book to be read by all Civil War enthusiasts who have long delighted in the dramatic charge of cheering men and the strategy and tactics of their officers. It will have a sobering effect, and it will fill a gap in their knowledge.--Avery Craven "Chicago Sunday Tribune"

About the Author

George Worthington Adams (1905-1981) was professor of history and chair of the history department at Southern Illinois University. His career also included positions at Harvard, Colorado College, and MacMurray College for Women. He was the editor of Reminiscences of the Civil War and Reconstruction.