The Old Soldier's Story: Poems and Prose Sketches

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Riley, James Whitcomb, 1849-1916, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

American wit and humor.

American poetry.

Other Title:

Old Soldiers Story, The

Old Soldier's Story

Old Soldiers Story, The : Poems and Prose Sketches

Place of Publication:

Project Gutenberg

Montclair, NJ : Project Gutenberg 2010.

Summary:

"The Old Soldier's Story: Poems and Prose Sketches" by James Whitcomb Riley is a collection of poems and prose sketches written in the early 20th century. The works capture various themes, including humor, nostalgia, love, and the experiences of soldiers, as evidenced in the opening sketch featuring an old soldier recounting a humorous yet poignant tale from the battlefield. The light-heartedness juxtaposed with deeper reflections offers readers a glimpse into the human condition from an approachable and often witty perspective. The opening of this collection introduces us to a storyteller—an old soldier—addressing an audience at a banquet. He begins relating a familiar, comedic anecdote about a cannonball hitting a soldier during battle, leading to a playful mix-up involving the soldier's injuries. This narrative sets the stage for the blend of humor and humanity that pervades the collection. The soldier's manner of storytelling, filled with dialect and earnestness, highlights the authenticity of his voice, inviting readers to connect with the simplicity and depth of shared human experiences even amid chaos and tragedy.

OCLC:

1096791320