The Log of a Noncombatant By: Horace Green
Horace Green's The Log of a Noncombatant is a remarkable memoir that offers readers a unique perspective on the American Civil War. Through his vivid and intimate accounts, Green provides an invaluable firsthand narrative of his experiences as a noncombatant during a time of extraordinary conflict. Green's memoir stands out primarily for its honesty and authenticity. As a civilian trapped in the midst of the war, his observations are refreshingly unbiased. He shares his thoughts openly, addressing the horrors of war without glorifying or embellishing the events. This transparency allows readers to truly understand the emotional toll and hardships experienced by those on the sidelines of a brutal conflict. One of the most captivating aspects of the book is Green's ability to capture both the grand elements of war and its impact on ordinary lives. His attention to detail paints a vivid picture of battlefields, military camps, and the general atmosphere during these turbulent times. However, he also focuses on the human aspect, recounting the struggles of everyday citizens and the challenges they face as their lives are turned upside down. The author's writing style is elegant and straightforward, making the book accessible to readers from all walks of life. Green's narrative flows seamlessly, blending personal anecdotes with historical insights, which adds depth and context to his story. His ability to juggle various perspectives, from soldiers to civilians, creates a well-rounded account that reflects the diverse experiences of individuals affected by the war. The Log of a Noncombatant also serves as an excellent historical resource. Green's meticulous attention to detail and his interactions with prominent figures make this a valuable document for studying the Civil War. His encounters with iconic figures, such as President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant, provide a unique inside look into their personalities and leadership styles. However, despite its many strengths, the memoir does have some minor shortcomings. Green occasionally digresses into tangential anecdotes and personal reflections that may not be of interest to all readers. Additionally, the relatively brief length of the memoir limits the depth of some topics, leaving readers longing for more insight and analysis. In conclusion, The Log of a Noncombatant is a significant contribution to the literature on the American Civil War. Horace Green's firsthand account provides a fascinating perspective on the war's impact on civilians, shedding light on their struggles, fears, and hopes. This memoir is a must-read for history enthusiasts and those seeking a compassionate and genuine portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history. First Page: THE LOG OF A NONCOMBATANT by Horace Green Staff Correspondent of the New York Evening Post Special Correspondent of the Boston Journal 1915 Preface In the following pages the ego is thickly spread. Their publication is the result of persuasion from many sources that, before returning to the war zone, I should put into connected form my personal experiences as correspondent during the first year of the War of Nations. A few of these adventures were mentioned in news letters from the Continent, where I limited myself so far as possible to descriptions of armies at war and peoples in time of stress; but the greater part of them were merely jotted down from time to time for my own benefit in "The Log of a Noncombatant." Contents I. From Broadway To Ghent II. The Second Bombardment Of Termonde III. Captive IV. A Clog Dance On The Scheldt V. The Bombardment Of Antwerp VI. The Surrender Of Antwerp VII. Spying On Spies VIII. The Sorrow Of The People Appendix: Atrocities The Log Of A Noncombatant Chapter I From Broadway To Ghent When the war broke out in August, 1914, I was at work in the City Room of the "New York Evening Post." One morning, during the first week of activities, the copy boy handed me a telegram which was signed "Luther, Boston," and contained the rather cryptic message: "How about this fight?" It was some moments before I could recall the time, more than two years before, when I had last seen the writer, Willard B... Continue reading book >>

The Log of a Noncombatant By: Horace Green

Horace Green's The Log of a Noncombatant is a remarkable memoir that offers readers a unique perspective on the American Civil War. Through his vivid and intimate accounts, Green provides an invaluable firsthand narrative of his experiences as a noncombatant during a time of extraordinary conflict.

Green's memoir stands out primarily for its honesty and authenticity. As a civilian trapped in the midst of the war, his observations are refreshingly unbiased. He shares his thoughts openly, addressing the horrors of war without glorifying or embellishing the events. This transparency allows readers to truly understand the emotional toll and hardships experienced by those on the sidelines of a brutal conflict.

One of the most captivating aspects of the book is Green's ability to capture both the grand elements of war and its impact on ordinary lives. His attention to detail paints a vivid picture of battlefields, military camps, and the general atmosphere during these turbulent times. However, he also focuses on the human aspect, recounting the struggles of everyday citizens and the challenges they face as their lives are turned upside down.

The author's writing style is elegant and straightforward, making the book accessible to readers from all walks of life. Green's narrative flows seamlessly, blending personal anecdotes with historical insights, which adds depth and context to his story. His ability to juggle various perspectives, from soldiers to civilians, creates a well-rounded account that reflects the diverse experiences of individuals affected by the war.

The Log of a Noncombatant also serves as an excellent historical resource. Green's meticulous attention to detail and his interactions with prominent figures make this a valuable document for studying the Civil War. His encounters with iconic figures, such as President Abraham Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant, provide a unique inside look into their personalities and leadership styles.

However, despite its many strengths, the memoir does have some minor shortcomings. Green occasionally digresses into tangential anecdotes and personal reflections that may not be of interest to all readers. Additionally, the relatively brief length of the memoir limits the depth of some topics, leaving readers longing for more insight and analysis.

In conclusion, The Log of a Noncombatant is a significant contribution to the literature on the American Civil War. Horace Green's firsthand account provides a fascinating perspective on the war's impact on civilians, shedding light on their struggles, fears, and hopes. This memoir is a must-read for history enthusiasts and those seeking a compassionate and genuine portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history.

First Page:

THE LOG OF A NONCOMBATANT

by Horace Green

Staff Correspondent of the New York Evening Post Special Correspondent of the Boston Journal

1915

Preface

In the following pages the ego is thickly spread. Their publication is the result of persuasion from many sources that, before returning to the war zone, I should put into connected form my personal experiences as correspondent during the first year of the War of Nations. A few of these adventures were mentioned in news letters from the Continent, where I limited myself so far as possible to descriptions of armies at war and peoples in time of stress; but the greater part of them were merely jotted down from time to time for my own benefit in "The Log of a Noncombatant."

Contents

I. From Broadway To Ghent II. The Second Bombardment Of Termonde III. Captive IV. A Clog Dance On The Scheldt V. The Bombardment Of Antwerp VI. The Surrender Of Antwerp VII. Spying On Spies VIII. The Sorrow Of The People

Appendix: Atrocities

The Log Of A Noncombatant

Chapter I

From Broadway To Ghent

When the war broke out in August, 1914, I was at work in the City Room of the "New York Evening Post." One morning, during the first week of activities, the copy boy handed me a telegram which was signed "Luther, Boston," and contained the rather cryptic message: "How about this fight?"

It was some moments before I could recall the time, more than two years before, when I had last seen the writer, Willard B... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
History
War stories

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