Welcome to another bonus episode of Calm History, an extra treat for my Silk Plus members.

This is my second episode about Florence Nightingale.

The first one I did was Archive episode number 13.

In that episode, I explained why and how Florence Nightingale

helped wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. It was basically a mini biography, highlighting her

work in the war and her lifetime achievements. In this episode,

I've dug a little deeper into the details of who she really was. I've uncovered books and

letters written by the wounded soldiers she treated and by the nurses she worked with.

What do these primary sources reveal about the real Florence Nightingale?

Was she as giving and caring as history want you to think? I'm not going to tell you the answer to that.

Instead, you are about to hear the answer directly

from those who spent time with her.

And I'll finish this episode

by sharing some trivia about a poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

It is the most famous poem ever written about Florence Nightingale.

If you've not already, then do listen to archive episode number 13 first,

so you have a good understanding of the life of Florence Nightingale.

This episode is very much a supplement to that prior episode.

In the near future, I'll take both of these episodes about Florence Nightingale

and stitch them together into a one-hour extended bonus episode for my Sok Plus members. So stay tuned

for that. But for now, lean back, close your eyes, and settle into my time machine of tranquility. I hope this episode distracts and relaxes your overactive brain squirrels.

Florence Nightingale

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