The author demonstrates convincingly that not only did the Civil War soldier suffer maladies hauntingly similar to Vietnam vets', but suggests, by extension, that these may be a consequence of war from time immemorial.
Dean, in his careful attempts to define and delineate the problem, notes that the character and dimensions of PTSD are not clear, and that there are powerful interests, with monetary incentives and ideological agendas, to encourage continued attention to, and perhaps promote, the problem. His research is impressive (Dean seems to have read everything ever written on the subject); his writing clear and compelling, and the flaws inconsequential. It might have been instructive to learn whether "McNamara's Hundred Thousand" (a cohort of draftees of low mental ability) are significantly represented in the prevalence of PTSD, and a formal bibliography would be useful, even though extensive source notes are provided. These are quibbles: Dean's work is highly recommended for anyone interested in the effects of war on the individual.

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