Off duty: A dozen yarns for soldiers and sailors

"Off Duty: A Dozen Yarns for Soldiers and Sailors" by Wilhelmina Harper is a compilation of short stories written in the early 20th century. This collection aims to entertain and provide solace to soldiers and sailors, particularly those recovering from the impacts of war and seeking distraction from their challenges. The anthology showcases a variety of tales from notable authors, including Irving Bacheller and Rex Beach, delivering a mix of humor, adventure, and life lessons. The opening of this volume introduces the foreword by the compiler, who expresses the motivation behind curating these stories during her work at the Camp Library in Pelham Bay, NY, shortly after World War I. Harper emphasizes the need to connect the men in her camp, who may be unfamiliar with literature, to some of the best writers to enrich their minds and ease their minds during their recovery and leisure time. The content hints at the relatable struggles and aspirations of the characters represented, suggesting that the stories are crafted to resonate with a readership comprised largely of military personnel and their experiences. The first story, “Keeping Up With Lizzie” by Irving Bacheller, begins to unfold the narrative of a character named Sam Henshaw and his daughter Lizzie, exploring themes of education, societal expectations, and personal relationships amid humorous interactions.

Off duty: A dozen yarns for soldiers and sailors, from the public domain. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #68278.