This diary is one of the most unusual produced during the Civil War because it contains very little about military life. Early in the war Van Buskirk abandoned his regiment, working as a schoolmaster, farmhand, and casual laborer. He wrote of the suffering civilians endured at the hands of contending armies. But he also found time to chronicle his fascination with handsome young lads he encountered during his life as a deserter--unwittingly providing modern readers an illuminating glimpse of class differences and sexual mores. Naval, social and sexual historians, in particular, will find much valuable source material.

About the Author
B.R. Burg is a professor of history at Arizona State University and has written extensively on the sexuality among seafarers and the sexual abuse of children. He lives in Fort Worth, Texas.


Book Information
ISBN 9780786442935
Author Philip Van Buskirk
Format Paperback
Page Count 190
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 268g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 10mm