Introduction

The American Civil War was not just a military conflict but also a spiritual and cultural crisis. Soldiers faced death, disease, and despair every day, and in this environment, books became more than just leisure items. They served as lifelines for soldiers fighting the war. Devotional manuals, hymnals, newspapers, and dime novels circulated through camps and hospitals, shaping morale. Among these texts, Balm for the Weary and Wounded (1864) stands out. Written by Episcopal chaplain Charles Todd Quintard, the booklet shows how cheap publication, religious devotion, chaplaincy, and reading culture came together to support soldiers. Its prayers, hymns, and meditations provided comfort and structure, while its portability reflected the growth of print for ordinary people. To grasp the importance of this artifact, we first need to understand the man behind it.