Gentlemen Volunteers

Main Themes and Topics

Gentlemen Volunteers by Arlen J. Hansen examines the profound experiences and contributions of American volunteer ambulance drivers during World War I. The book delves into themes of idealism, sacrifice, and the clash between the romantic notions of war and its harsh realities. It captures a generation of young men and women who sought adventure and purpose by leaving prestigious universities to serve on the battlefields of France. In doing so, they confronted the brutal nature of warfare, which tested their beliefs and transformed their perspectives. The work reveals how these volunteers were driven by the allure of glory and the desire to escape the confines of their comfortable lives, ultimately finding themselves amidst the harrowing chaos of war.

Writing Style and Tone

Arlen J. Hansen's writing style in Gentlemen Volunteers is both vivid and engaging, skillfully combining historical narrative with personal anecdotes. Hansen's tone reflects a deep empathy for the volunteers, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of their experiences. The author uses detailed descriptions and firsthand accounts to bring to life the emotional landscape of the period, allowing readers to vividly picture the courage and despair faced by the ambulance drivers. The narrative is structured to maintain a balance between the broader historical context and the personal stories of the individuals involved, making the book both informative and compelling.

Brief Summary

Gentlemen Volunteers tells the fascinating story of American men and women who volunteered to serve as ambulance drivers on the front lines of World War I before the United States officially entered the conflict. Leaving behind their college campuses and well-to-do lives, they sought not only to aid in the war effort but also to redefine their own identities through acts of bravery and service. The book highlights the contrasting experiences these volunteers faced, from the romanticized notion of war to the stark reality of life in the trenches. Through the lens of figures who later became cultural legends, such as Ernest Hemingway and e.e. cummings, Hansen paints a vivid picture of how their wartime experiences impacted American culture and society.