The subject matter is a seminal work of non-fiction. It recounts the experiences witnessed on a battlefield in 1859 and documents the author’s profound reaction to the suffering of wounded soldiers left unattended after the fighting ceased. The account provides a stark portrayal of the human cost of war, devoid of glorification and focused instead on the immediate, practical needs of those affected by conflict. As an example, consider the descriptions of the sheer number of casualties and the lack of adequate medical resources to treat them effectively.
The significance lies in its role as a catalyst for international humanitarian action. Its publication spurred a movement that ultimately led to the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the subsequent establishment of the Geneva Conventions. The book highlighted the necessity of providing neutral and impartial aid to victims of war, regardless of their nationality or allegiance. Its benefit is a foundational framework for international law regarding the treatment of prisoners of war, the protection of civilians during armed conflict, and the provision of humanitarian assistance.
