The Fevered Fight: Medical History of the American Revolution

The American Revolutionary War, fought 250 years ago between Britain's North American colonies and the British colonial government, had a profound influence on the history of the United States, Britain, and the wider world. Martin Howard's comprehensive account of the military medicine practised during the war is timely and valuable, describing the medical story of the War between Lexington and Yorktown in absorbing detail. It covers the key military events, the medicine and surgery of the period, and the medical departments of the opposing armies, and is enriched by vivid eyewitness testimonies of soldiers, doctors, and civilians. The war was associated with improvements in military medicine and the professionalization of American medicine, and Howard's work will be stimulating reading for all students of the American Revolutionary War.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The American Revolutionary War, which took place 250 years ago between Britain's North American colonies and the British colonial government, was a conflict of immense global significance. Its impact on the history of the United States, Britain, and the wider world has been profound, and a vast body of literature has been dedicated to exploring this pivotal period. However, one aspect of the war that has received relatively limited attention is the field of military medicine. This comprehensive, graphic, and highly readable study by Martin Howard fills this gap, offering a thorough account of the medical practices and experiences during the war.

Howard's account delves into the medical story of the War, from the initial clashes between Lexington and Yorktown to the final battles at Saratoga and Yorktown. He provides a detailed account of the key military events, the medicine and surgery of the period, and the medical departments of the opposing armies. The narrative is enriched by vivid eyewitness testimonies of soldiers, doctors, and civilians, shedding light on the hardships and sacrifices endured by those on both sides of the conflict.

One of the significant contributions of Howard's study is its exploration of previously neglected topics such as biological warfare and the impact of disease on black soldiers and the Native American population. He sheds light on the use of smallpox as a weapon by the British, the devastating effects of epidemic disease on the American forces, and the challenges faced by medical professionals in providing care to these vulnerable groups.

The human toll of epidemic disease during the American Revolutionary War was profound, with thousands of soldiers and civilians succumbing to illnesses such as smallpox, typhoid, and dysentery. The consequences of these diseases not only affected the outcome of the war but also left lasting lessons for military medicine and public health. The war was associated with significant improvements in military medicine, as medical professionals began to adopt new techniques and technologies to care for wounded soldiers on the battlefield. This professionalization of American medicine would have a lasting impact on the development of the field.

Martin Howard's ambitious work is a stimulating read for all students of the American Revolutionary War, particularly those with a special interest in the history of medicine. His comprehensive account provides a valuable insight into the medical practices and experiences of the period, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the war.

In conclusion, the American Revolutionary War was a conflict of global significance that had a profound impact on the history of the United States, Britain, and the wider world. While a vast body of literature has been devoted to exploring this period, the field of military medicine has received relatively limited attention. Martin Howard's comprehensive study fills this gap, offering a thorough account of the medical practices and experiences during the war. Through vivid eyewitness testimonies and an exploration of previously neglected topics, Howard sheds light on the human toll of epidemic disease, the improvements in military medicine, and the professionalization of American medicine. His work is a valuable contribution to the understanding of this pivotal period in history.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399084826