Morris has created a thrilling narrative and compelling portrait of one of the greatest of American poets. Focusing on Whitman's time spent as nurse and chronicler of the Civil War the work presents a particularly thorough and informative account of his activities during that period. Overall it is a balanced and insightful portrait of a complex man discovering himself and his poetry through the injured sons of the nation he loved. ( )

One of the best books I've ever read. "The Better Angel: Walt Whitman in the Civil War" is a biography of the poet/writer, with special emphasis on the years 1861 to 1865, during which he visited and championed wounded soldiers in military hospitals. It's also a commentary and history of the Civil War, life in Washington D.C., and the life and death of Abraham Lincoln. Excerpts of Whitman's poetry appear in the context of when and where it was written, as well as the circumstances of why he was moved to write it. Endnotes, Bibliography, and Indexed. Very highly recommended. ( )