The Lost Guidon 1911

"The Lost Guidon" by Charles Egbert Craddock is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of war, bravery, and the lingering impact of the Civil War on soldiers and their families. It captures the psychological struggles and moral challenges faced by individuals during and after battle, particularly focusing on a young soldier's resolve amidst the chaos of war. The narrative follows the journey of Casper Girard, a young soldier known for carrying the guidon of Dovinger's Rangers during a grim battle where many of his comrades perish. Despite witnessing the horrors of war and being surrounded by death, Girard clings to the hope of rallying his fallen regiment, showcasing his youthful idealism and determination. After the war, he grapples with his identity and place in a world that feels foreign to him. Through the eyes of an old chaplain observing the events, the story delves into themes of loss, memory, and the drive to honor one's past. Ultimately, Girard emerges transformed, vowing to uphold the values of honor and duty, illustrating a poignant transition from the battlefield to civilian life and his aspiration to carry forward the legacy of his fallen comrades. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Noailles Murfree was an American author of novels and short stories who wrote under the pen name Charles Egbert Craddock. She is considered by many to be Appalachia's first significant female writer and her work a necessity for the study of Appalachian literature, although a number of characters in her work reinforce negative stereotypes about the region. She has been favorably compared to Bret Harte and Sarah Orne Jewett, creating post-Civil War American local-color literature.