The author of Life in the Leatherwoods is John Quincy Wolf. Wolf was born to Robert Livingston Wolf and Catherine Adams Wolf on December 13, 1864 near Calico Rock, Arkansas. Wolf was raised by his aunt and uncle after his mother died in 1877. Wolf’s father had died in 1870. John attended Bryant and Stratton’s Business College in St. Louis. Life in the Leatherwoods is the only published book written by Wolf; although, he did write articles for different newspapers in Batesville. Wolf did not have the book published. After his death John Quincy Wolf Jr. took on the task of composing the articles and scraps of paper into the version enjoyed today. Professionally, John was elected Batesville’s city treasurer in 1888. In 1907 he helped organize …show more content…
It was also a rebellion against stereotypes of life during these times. This book is a wonderful glimpse into the life of Southerners who were doing what they could to survive and making the most out of what they had. The author’s casual story-telling style draws the reader into the stories and allows them to experience day-to-day life in the leatherwoods. Wolf is charismatic and vivid in his method of storytelling. He did a masterful job of conveying his thoughts and experiences to the reader. Wolf brought to life the struggles faced during war and dealing with jayhawkers. The way he described how the war affected the community in Calico Rock was a refreshing take as opposed to what is described in history books. He personalized life in Arkansas. Wolf portrayed powerful scenes in which food and supplies, already scarce, were under threat of being taken by these jayhawkers that come by and raid properties of whatever they want. Just as vibrantly, he illustrates the innocence and joy experienced during childhood. His depiction of witnessing huge ships making their way along the White River through a child’s eyes exude wonder and amazement that the reader cannot help but to feel. Wolf’s tales of strangers popping in for a meal or a place to stay the night paint the south in a charming light. Whether one wanted to entertain guests or not was not up for