New Book Sheds Light on Civil War Prison Camps and Their Lasting Impact
A new book by W. Fitzhugh Brundage, titled 'A Fate Worse Than Hell: American Prisoners of the Civil War,' explores the grim realities of Civil War prison camps, particularly focusing on the notorious Andersonville camp. The book is part of a broader historical trend known as the 'dark turn,' which examines the war's cost and cruelty rather than its romanticized aspects. Brundage's work delves into the conditions faced by prisoners, highlighting the lack of sanitation, inadequate medical treatment, and high mortality rates. Andersonville, designed to hold 10,000 prisoners, saw its population swell to 33,000, with disease rampant and medical care severely lacking. The book also discusses the broader implications of these camps, including the evolution of war laws and the ethical responsibilities of combatants. 
