Description
The Volunteer Soldier of America
by John A. Logan | 1887 First Edition
This is a first edition of The Volunteer Soldier of America, published in 1887 by R.S. Peale & Company. Written by General John A. Logan, the book explores the contributions of volunteer regiments in shaping the American military, particularly during the Civil War. Logan, a Union general and later U.S. senator, was one of the most prominent defenders of volunteer soldiers, extolling their dedication and effectiveness while openly criticizing the regular army. His arguments were particularly relevant at the time of publication, as the military was shifting toward a more professional, standing force.
Logan’s perspective is deeply personal—he was a commander of the XV Corps during the Atlanta Campaign, playing a key role in Union victories. His military and political career made him a well-respected figure, and he was a significant advocate for veterans’ rights. He is also credited with helping to establish Memorial Day as a national holiday, reinforcing his lasting impact on American history.
The book contains 706 pages and is well-illustrated, featuring a color frontispiece, 25 additional illustrations, an appendix, and an index. It remains structurally sound with no seam splits, though a previous owner trimmed the margins from page 639 to the end of the book. The text itself remains uncut, but the index is partially affected, as the cut extends further into the margin on some pages (see images for reference).
An important historical work offering both firsthand military recollections and broader commentary on the evolution of the U.S. Army, The Volunteer Soldier of America is a valuable addition to collections on Civil War history, military studies, and 19th-century American politics.
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