'The Complete Works of Artemus Ward Part 2, War' Summary

The Complete Works of Artemus Ward Part 2, War by Artemus Ward is a collection of stories and sketches by Charles Farrar Browne, better known by his pen name Artemus Ward. The book was published in 1865, shortly after the end of the American Civil War.

The book follows the character of Artemus Ward, a traveling showman who is full of malapropisms and tall tales. Ward is a naive and bumbling figure, but he is always well-intentioned. He is also a bit of a coward, and he is often scared of the things he sees and experiences during the war.

Ward travels with the Union Army throughout the war, and he witnesses firsthand the horrors of battle. He sees the suffering and loss of life that it brings, and he is often moved to tears. However, he also sees the absurdity of war, and he uses his humor to make a serious point about the futility of it all.

One of the most famous stories in the book is "Artemus Ward in Camp," which tells the story of Ward's experiences as a camp follower with the Union Army. In the story, Ward witnesses the death of a young soldier, and he is deeply affected by it. However, he also finds humor in the absurdity of war, and he uses his humor to cope with the tragedy.

The book ends with Ward's return home after the war. He is glad to be home, but he is also changed by his experiences. He is no longer the naive and bumbling figure that he once was, and he has a new appreciation for the value of life.

The Essence and Spirit of the Book

The Complete Works of Artemus Ward Part 2, War by Artemus Ward is a funny, insightful, and moving book. It is a must-read for anyone who loves humor or the Civil War.

The book's humor is gentle and absurd, and it is often used to make a serious point about the futility of war. The book also shows the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers, and it highlights the importance of hope and resilience.

Artemus Ward was a pioneer of American humor, and his work continues to inspire humorists today. The Complete Works of Artemus Ward Part 2, War by Artemus Ward is a classic of American literature, and it is a book that everyone should read.

The Story of the Book

The book begins with Ward traveling to the front lines of the Civil War. He is initially excited about the adventure, but he soon realizes that war is not what he expected. He witnesses the death and destruction of battle, and he is often scared for his own life.

However, Ward also finds humor in the midst of the chaos. He tells tall tales about his experiences, and he makes fun of the absurdity of war. His humor helps him to cope with the horrors he sees, and it also helps to lighten the mood for the soldiers around him.

As the war goes on, Ward becomes more and more disillusioned. He sees the futility of war, and he realizes that it is nothing but a waste of life. He also sees the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers, and he comes to appreciate the value of life.

The book ends with Ward's return home after the war. He is glad to be home, but he is also changed by his experiences. He is no longer the naive and bumbling figure that he once was, and he has a new appreciation for the value of life.