Hardtack and Coffee: Or the Unwritten Story of Army Life (1887)

Hardtack and Coffee: Or The Unwritten Story of Army Life is a non-fiction book written by John Davis Billings and first published in 1887. The book is a detailed account of the everyday life of soldiers during the American Civil War. The author, who served as a hospital steward in the Union Army, provides a firsthand account of the experiences of soldiers on the front lines, including their struggles with disease, injury, and death. The book is divided into chapters that cover various aspects of army life, such as camp life, rations, clothing, and medical care. Billings provides a wealth of information on the practical aspects of soldiering, such as how to cook hardtack (a type of biscuit) and brew coffee in the field, as well as the more serious issues of battlefield medicine and the care of wounded soldiers. Throughout the book, Billings also offers his personal observations and opinions on the war and the people involved in it. He provides a unique perspective on the conflict, as someone who was not a combatant but who was intimately involved in the daily lives of those who were. Hardtack and Coffee has been praised for its accuracy and its vivid, engaging style. It remains a valuable resource for historians and a fascinating read for anyone interested in the Civil War or the experience of soldiers in any war.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.