The Left-Armed Corps
by Allison M. Johnson
"Writings by Amputee Civil War Veterans"
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The Left-Armed Corps by Allison M. Johnson
Details
War:
American Civil War
Perspective:
Civilian
True Story:
Yes
Biography:
No
Region:
North America
Page Count:
379
Published Date:
2022
ISBN13:
9780807177488
Description
Main Themes and Topics
The book The Left-Armed Corps by Allison M. Johnson explores a profound and poignant chapter of American history, focusing on the narratives of Civil War veterans who endured the loss of their right arms and taught themselves to write with their left hands. The primary themes include perseverance in the face of physical adversity, the struggle for social and economic reintegration, and the enduring impact of war trauma. Through the compilation of narrative sketches, accounts, and poetry, Johnson brings to light personal stories that echo the chaos of the battlefield, the traumatic experiences of amputation, and the veterans' arduous recovery processes.
The contest organized by William Oland Bourne in 1865 and 1866, which encouraged veterans to showcase their left-handed penmanship, serves as a focal point for the book. This initiative was not only a means of acknowledgment but also an attempt to facilitate the economic viability of veterans. The contest submissions reveal layers of personal history and resilience, capturing both the veterans' desire to commemorate their sacrifices and their attempts to articulate the complexities of reintegration into civilian life.
Writing Style and Tone
Allison M. Johnson employs an organized and thematic approach to present these historical narratives, allowing readers to engage with each veteran's account in a structured manner. The tone is both respectful and evocative, lending dignity to the veterans' stories while simultaneously providing a scholarly analysis of their significance. Johnson's annotations and selections highlight the veterans’ unique voices, ensuring that their life stories are narrated with authenticity and empathy.
Brief Summary
The Left-Armed Corps is a collection of writings by American Civil War veterans who, after losing the use of their right arms, participated in left-handed penmanship contests. These contests, initiated by William Oland Bourne, sought to aid veterans in finding work and reintegrating into society. The book includes personal narratives, poetry, and reflections that convey the veterans' battles with the physical and emotional aftermath of war. Through these testimonies, the book offers a window into the veterans' perseverance and the societal challenges they faced post-war.
