Frank Before Vicksburg The Gun-Boat Series

"Frank Before Vicksburg" by Harry Castlemon is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. It follows the adventures of Frank Nelson, a young naturalist and soldier during the Civil War, as he navigates both the dangers of military duty and the joys of returning home. The story is set against the backdrop of the Union's military campaigns, particularly focusing on the events around Vicksburg, highlighting the trials and tribulations faced by soldiers. The opening of the book introduces Frank as he returns home safely after a tumultuous period of service, reflecting on the sacrifices made and the pain endured by his family during his absence. Frank's reunion with his mother and sister is bittersweet, showcasing the joy of homecoming and the lingering sorrow from losses faced during wartime. As he shares stories from his adventures, including his capture and narrow escapes, the narrative sets the tone for the blend of excitement and challenges that define his character. His interactions with fellow soldiers, especially his friend Harry who is wrestling with his own brother's fate as a prisoner, underscore the emotional weight of the conflict and the camaraderie among those affected by it. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Austin Fosdick, better known by his nom de plume Harry Castlemon, was a prolific writer of juvenile stories and novels, intended mainly for boys. He was born in Randolph, New York, and received a high school diploma from Central High School in Buffalo, New York. He served in the Union Navy from 1862 to 1865, during the American Civil War, acting as the receiver and superintendent of coal for the Mississippi River Squadron. Fosdick had begun to write as a teenager, and drew on his experiences serving in the Navy in such early novels as Frank on a Gunboat (1864) and Frank on the Lower Mississippi (1867). He soon became the most-read author for boys in the post-Civil War era, the golden age of children's literature.