The Left-Armed Corps: Writings by Amputee Civil War Veterans

The Left-Armed Corps: Writings by Amputee Civil War Veterans collects and annotates a unique body of Civil War literature by veterans who lost the use of their right arms due to wounds and competed in left-handed penmanship contests in 1865 and 1866. The contests aimed to help veterans reenter the work force and commemorate their sacrifices, revealing the difficulties they faced in adapting to life after the war. The selections are organized thematically to highlight issues crucial to the experiences of Civil War soldiers, veterans, and amputees, offering valuable insights into their service and sacrifice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2022
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

The Left-Armed Corps: Writings by Amputee Civil War Veterans is a remarkable collection that brings to light a unique and previously overlooked body of Civil War literature. Compiled and annotated by William Oland Bourne, this collection features narrative sketches, accounts, and poetry written by veterans who lost the use of their right arms due to wounds sustained during the conflict. These veterans then participated in left-handed penmanship contests in 1865 and 1866, showcasing their remarkable skills and determination.

The contests, organized by Bourne, aimed to provide a platform for veterans to reintegrate into the workforce and become economically viable citizens. They sought to commemorate the sacrifices made by these veterans and create an archive of individual stories that detailed the recently concluded conflict. However, the contestants and their entries also offer valuable insights into the challenges and struggles faced by veterans in their post-war lives.

The selections in The Left-Armed Corps are organized thematically by editor Allison M. Johnson to highlight the key issues and experiences of Civil War soldiers, veterans, and amputees. Through these writings, readers gain invaluable insights into how former fighting men understood and commemorated their service and sacrifice. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including political and philosophical treatises by veterans, amateur but poignant poetic testaments, and personal accounts that convey the chaos of the battlefield, the agony of amputation, and the highs and lows of recovery.

A detailed introduction provides background information on the contests and comments on the literary and historical significance of the veterans and their writings. Bourne's vision for these contests was to help veterans reenter the workforce and become economically stable, while also commemorating the sacrifices made by those who had served their country. The contests served as a means to honor the veterans and create a lasting legacy of their experiences during the Civil War.

In conclusion, The Left-Armed Corps: Writings by Amputee Civil War Veterans is a valuable contribution to the study of Civil War literature and history. Through its collection of narrative sketches, accounts, and poetry, this book offers a unique perspective on the experiences of veterans who lost their arms during the conflict. The contests organized by Bourne not only commemorated the sacrifices made by these veterans but also provided a platform for them to reintegrate into society and showcase their remarkable skills. The selections in the book are organized thematically to highlight the key issues and experiences of Civil War soldiers, veterans, and amputees, offering invaluable insights into how these individuals understood and commemorated their service and sacrifice.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807177464