Summary:
"American War Ballads and Lyrics, Volume 1 (of 2)" by George Cary Eggleston is a collection of historical songs and ballads that captures the spirit of American conflicts from the colonial wars through the Civil War. Written in the late 19th century, this anthology serves to preserve and showcase the poetic expressions associated with significant military events in American history, reflecting sentiments of valor and national pride. The compilation includes notable pieces from various periods, such as the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, featuring the accounts and perspectives of those who lived through these tumultuous times. At the start of the collection, the editor explains the intention behind curating the ballads, aiming for a representative yet not exhaustive selection that encapsulates the emotions and principles surrounding the wars. The opening section includes an acknowledgment of the editorial challenges faced in pairing poems with their historical significance, alongside a description of the ballads that range in quality but uniformly express the themes of strength, freedom, and resilience. The first poem, "Lovewell's Fight," recounts a battle involving Captain Lovewell, illustrating the struggles and heroism of the soldiers involved. This introductory portion sets the stage for an exploration of both well-known and lesser-known war songs that have shaped American identity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)