Johnny Got His Gun

Johnny Got His Gun is a vivid anti-war novel written in 1939 by American novelist and screenwriter Dalton Trumbo.

Title

The title comes from the phrase "Johnny get your gun", a rallying call that was commonly used to encourage young American men to enlist in the military in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The story is a work of historical fiction.

Related Topics:
American - 19th century - 20th century - Historical fiction

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Metallica's 1988 song and music video "One" were inspired by the novel.

Related Topics:
Metallica - 1988 - Music video - One

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The book has been issued as ISBN 0553274325

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Johnny Got His Gun tells the story of Joe Bonham, an American World War I infantryman who was horribly maimed in combat. Bonham survives an explosion, but lost not only his arms and legs but his ears, eyes, nose, and mouth, making him immobile, deaf, blind, and mute. Bonham does not initially comprehend the full nature of his situation, but, after realizing his condition, learns to communicate with others by tapping his head against his pillow using Morse Code. Bonham's wish to be taken on tour as an anti-war display is denied by his military superiors.

Related Topics:
World War I - Infantry - Arm - Leg - Ears - Eye - Nose - Mouth - Deaf - Blind - Mute - Morse Code

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In a series of flashbacks, the reader is forced to compare the vibrancy of mundane, ordinary life with the horrors and living death of war. The story also provides a unique perspective on bioethics and advances in medicine.

Related Topics:
Bioethics - Medicine

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