'Eleven years a drunkard, or, The life of Thomas Doner: having lost both arms through intemperance, he wrote this book with his teeth as a warning to others' Summary

'Eleven Years a Drunkard' is a poignant and harrowing autobiography by Thomas Doner, a man who lost both arms due to years of excessive alcohol consumption. The book chronicles his journey from the allure of alcohol's 'pleasant feeling' to the depths of addiction and its devastating consequences. Doner vividly portrays the shame, misery, and physical deterioration he endured, revealing the profound impact alcohol had on his life and his body. He recounts his struggle to cope with the loss of his arms, the social stigma he faced, and the moral and spiritual turmoil that accompanied his addiction. The book is a testament to the destructive power of alcohol and a desperate plea to others to avoid the path he took. Doner's story is filled with moralizing and religious pronouncements, urging readers to resist temptation, seek a path of righteousness, and avoid the snares of the Devil. While a product of its time, the book offers a raw and honest depiction of the toll addiction can take, reminding readers of the importance of self-control and the devastating consequences of succumbing to vice.