Customer Reviews

Love and Valor : Intimate Civil War Letters Between Captain Jacob and Emeline Ritner

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I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!. Some times, historical correspondance can be dry. However, these letter are not! They are very readable, offering a interesting insight into the real lives of people during the turbulent era of the Civil War. Charles Larimer has done excellent research and his annotations add to the context of when the letters were written. Highly recommended. I look forward to reading his Scottish Stories from Loch Ness.

As an amateur war historian, I find that all too rarely do we see the war on both sides. The hardships of everyday Americans during the Civil War were not only occurring on the battlefield, but in the homes left behind in the cornfields of Iowa. This unique perspective is presented in the heartfelt correspondence between Jacob and Emeline. A rare opportunity to behold the searching meditations of a man gripped by both love, and patriotism.

Unlike more typical published letters or diaries, "Love and Valor" gives us the thoughts of both a soldier husband and a wife raising their family back home. Jacob and Emeline Ritner were highly literate and observant, and their expressed affection and concern for each other provide a nice counterpoint to Jacob's vivid and discerning descriptions of Wilson's Creek, the Vicksburg and Atlanta campaigns, the final push to end the war, and the assorted details of camp life that made up most of a soldier's existence. Editor Charles Larimer's family had lovingly preserved the letters for years. He has done a nice job of weaving throughout the book, excerpts from outside sources (including regimental histories of the 1st and 25th Iowa infantry regiments) to place the letters in a larger historical context. Though certain of the corresondence has been edited out, there is still plenty of detail. Don't let that put you off. You will feel that you know Jacob and Emeline by the end, and they are acquaintances worth having.

As I read this remarkable volume I felt I was being transported back to those Civil War days, telling me how it was both in the war zone and back home in Iowa. Jacob Ritner is a remarkable figure, inspiring admiration and eminently worthy of emulation. His accounts of the battles he was in are vivid and immediate, and the editor of this volume has performed a most worthwhile service in resurrecting from the buried past this correspondence to inspire all who value patriotism and fidelity to duty and to one's marriage vow. One cannot but be enriched by following Captain Ritner and his wife thru those perilous years from 1861 thru 1865.

What a splendid work of Civil War history! Hats off to Charles F.Larimer. I couldn't have imagined there was so much historical data in intimate letters. The details are all here. What trials and tribulations our forefathers and mothers went through to perserve our nation. I now find myself becoming a Civil War buff after reading this book, and it only took me three days! As I read on, I found myself in my great-great grandfather's shoes fighting along the side of Cpt.Jacob Ritner and the boys from the 25th. How involved you become. I enjoyed the little jousting that Jacob and Crane had. Buy it today and enjoy a sentimental piece of Civil War history..........

I am not a reader of books nor a student of the civil war. However, I found this book to be fascinating. The horrors of war and the loneliness of soldiers are universal, and the insights into this particular war and historical era are compelling. It is very easy to read, and is both educational and entertaining. Please give me more by this writer!

This is a great book and to learn something about my ancestors during the war was an eye opening experience. Especially during the letters describing the living situations for the soldiers it was an interesting experience. Thank you to Charles Larimer

This is still one of my favorite books years after I read it. The openness and honesty expressed between this couple should still serve as an example for couples today. Their love story is an inspiration.

Jacob and Emeline Ritner were separated for most of four years while Jacob fought with the 25th Iowa during the American Civil War. They wrote each other constantly, sharing the details of their daily experiences. Everything from the price of molasses, to the maladies of the children, to the minute troop movements and activities of the soldiers with whom Jacob was serving.

Being able to have both sets of letters is a real bonus for any historian; the extra information provided by Larimer is even more helpful. It gives context to what Emeline and Jacob are describing, making their experiences even more relevant.

I opened this book looking specifically for the "Love," and thus found a bit of the "Valor" a bit dry. That is a small quibble, however. I have found no better resource for an eyewitness account of the March to the Sea and the experiences of a soldier pining for the ones he loves at home, not to mention the worry and longings of a woman hoping her man will make it home safely. Highly recommended to anyone interested in history.