Christian G. Samito earned his law degree from Harvard Law School and his doctorate in American history from Boston College. He teaches legal history at Boston University School of Law and practices law in Boston. His most recent books are Becoming American under Fire: Irish Americans, African Americans, and the Politics of Citizenship during the Civil War Era (Cornell University Press, 2009) and Changes in Law and Society during the Civil War and Reconstruction: A Legal History Documentary Reader (Southern Illinois University Press, 2009). His forthcoming book concerns Lincoln and constitutional amendment, and he is also editing a collection of essays about the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

"His letters reveal the experiences and thoughts of an Irish-Catholic soldier and should be of great interest to historians of immigration as well as the Civil War." -The Historical Journal of Massachusetts "Samito has done an excellent job in editing the wartime letters of Patrick Guiney to his wife, Jennie. These letters reveal the very soul of a very special Irish immigrant." -Irish Edition "The detailed and authoritative footnotes not only clarify incomplete references within the correspondence, but also place individual events within a larger Civil War context. Samito's lengthy prologue traces Guiney's life prior to military service, and the epilogue provides and equally valuable record of his life in post-war Boston." -Choice "Among the numerous Civil War letters that appear in print, these are distinguished for the author's forthright discussion of political and military affairs." -Library Journal "Guiney's letters are important, as they provide more information on a subject lacking in documentation, the story of a community known collectively as 'The Fighting Irish'." -North & South "Editor Samitodoes a superb job in providing historical summaries before each collection of letters..." -The Civil War News

• Prelude; General overview; Preparing children for surgery; The anaesthetised child and intra-operative care; Principles of post-operative care; Recognising and managing the sick child; Principles of pain management; Day surgery

Christian G. Samito earned his law degree from Harvard Law School and his doctorate in American history from Boston College. He teaches legal history at Boston University School of Law and practices law in Boston. His most recent books are Becoming American under Fire: Irish Americans, African Americans, and the Politics of Citizenship during the Civil War Era (Cornell University Press, 2009) and Changes in Law and Society during the Civil War and Reconstruction: A Legal History Documentary Reader (Southern Illinois University Press, 2009). His forthcoming book concerns Lincoln and constitutional amendment, and he is also editing a collection of essays about the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

"His letters reveal the experiences and thoughts of an Irish-Catholic soldier and should be of great interest to historians of immigration as well as the Civil War." -The Historical Journal of Massachusetts "Samito has done an excellent job in editing the wartime letters of Patrick Guiney to his wife, Jennie. These letters reveal the very soul of a very special Irish immigrant." -Irish Edition "The detailed and authoritative footnotes not only clarify incomplete references within the correspondence, but also place individual events within a larger Civil War context. Samito's lengthy prologue traces Guiney's life prior to military service, and the epilogue provides and equally valuable record of his life in post-war Boston." -Choice "Among the numerous Civil War letters that appear in print, these are distinguished for the author's forthright discussion of political and military affairs." -Library Journal "Guiney's letters are important, as they provide more information on a subject lacking in documentation, the story of a community known collectively as 'The Fighting Irish'." -North & South "Editor Samitodoes a superb job in providing historical summaries before each collection of letters..." -The Civil War News

• Prelude; General overview; Preparing children for surgery; The anaesthetised child and intra-operative care; Principles of post-operative care; Recognising and managing the sick child; Principles of pain management; Day surgery