Mosquito Soldiers
by Andrew McIlwaine Bell
"Malaria, Yellow Fever, and the Course of the American Civil War"
Popularity
3.77 / 5
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Mosquito Soldiers by Andrew McIlwaine Bell
Details
War:
American Civil War
Perspective:
Researcher
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
No
Region:
North America
Page Count:
213
Published Date:
2010
ISBN13:
9780807137376
Description
Brief Summary
"Mosquito Soldiers" by Andrew McIlwaine Bell offers a unique perspective on the American Civil War, emphasizing the significant impact of disease on the outcome of the war. The book delves into how mosquito-borne diseases, particularly malaria and yellow fever, affected soldiers, altering the course of key military strategies and political decisions during the 1860s. It's a ground-breaking medical history that reveals the often overlooked role of disease in shaping pivotal historical events.
Main Themes and Topics
The central theme of "Mosquito Soldiers" is the intersection of disease and warfare. Andrew McIlwaine Bell meticulously examines how malaria and yellow fever were not just parallel to the war effort but were active combatants themselves. The book highlights the vulnerability of both Union and Confederate soldiers to these diseases and how their outbreaks directly influenced military campaigns. Furthermore, Bell explores the broader implications of disease ecology and how environmental and biological factors can influence historical outcomes.
Writing Style and Tone
Andrew McIlwaine Bell writes with a scholarly yet accessible style, making complex medical and historical concepts understandable to a wide audience. His tone is informative and analytical, allowing readers to grasp the gravity of disease as a factor in the Civil War without overwhelming them with technical jargon. The narrative is enriched with detailed research and vivid accounts that engage the reader while providing substantial evidence to support the author's thesis.
Criticism
The primary criticism of "Mosquito Soldiers" is that it occasionally delves too deeply into the medical specifics, which might be challenging for readers without a background in medical history or epidemiology. While this detail underscores the thoroughness of Bell's research, it can at times distract from the broader historical narrative. However, these moments are rare and do not significantly detract from the overall impact of the book.
