An Apple Books Classics edition. Henry Fleming is full of romantic notions when he signs up to join the Civil War, fighting as a Union soldier. But after seeing the horrors of his first battle, Henry tries to run away at the next one, even as he shamefully envies the other wounded soldiers their “red badges” of courage. When he gets the chance to redeem himself on the field, he does. But at what cost?
Although it was published in the 19th century, this novel was banned in schools long into the 20th for its graphic depiction of war and its violent, empty battles. It is a timeless contemplation of courage, individuality, and what it means to be a “man.”
