Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #69686 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Synopsis
Modern research methods - archaeological, historical, forensic - have transformed our view of the past. This is especially true of the history of the Great War. In this, the first comprehensive survey of this exciting new field, Andrew Robertshaw and David Kenyon introduce the reader to the techniques that are employed and record, in vivid detail, many of the remarkable projects that have been undertaken. They show how archaeology can be used to reveal the position of trenches, dugouts and other battlefield features and to rediscover what life on the Western Front was really like. And they show how individual soldiers are themselves part of the story, for forensic investigation of the war dead is now so highly developed that individuals can be identified and their fate discovered.

Customer Reviews

Life below ground
In May 2006, Andrew Robertshaw and I stood in Avril William's Ocean Villas tea rooms at Auchonvilliers. Andy told me the story of a British Soldier whose remains had been discovered at serre in 2003, and that amongst his possedcions were coins from Jersey, my home. Whilist everyone might not be lucky enough to be informed and inspired by the man himself, this book will run a close second. No Man's Land groupfirst came to genral notice because of the TV programmes Finding the Fallen and Trench Detectives. This book details the groups objectives and takes the reader through the life of a soldier in the trenches on the Western Front of the Great War. the book starts with a good basic explanation of archeological techniques, the relevance of finds and how they can support the historical record of the times. The text may also change the widley held preconcived ideas of the Great War held by many. The book also deals with the moraltity of excavating those who died within (just) living memory and the problems facing those who live in an area that some se a sacred site, for others just where they live. Far from an academic tome the text is sprinkled with dry humour and sharp comments, this plus the illustrations make it a must read for anyone who visits the area. Walk softly, you not on whom you may be treading.

A must for anyone interested in Great War Archaeology
There are very few books that deal with one of the newest forms of archaeology, The Great War 1914-1918. This book is probably the best of all that I have seen. It is very well written by two gentlemen whom I believe are among the leaders in this field. The book is informative on virtually every aspect of the war and how it interacts with current archaeological pursuits. It deals with every aspect of the many issues and facets facing a modern history archaeologist and helps bring the events of 1914-1918 to a new light.

I had difficulty putting it down and I am on my third read since purchasing it. The illustrations and the humanity woven into the story are superb. In my opinion well worth anyone getting this book whether they are an historian for any aspect of the war or just interested in archaeology in general. I hope another volume will be added as new projects are completed and I wil be glad to add that book to my permanent collection, one that I will read and use as a reference for decades to come.

Ralph

The best yet.
Having already read `Killing Time` by Nicholas J Saunders i didn`t think you could improve on this subject. This is written in plain English and very difficult to put down it just makes you want to go out and walk the old front line. Robertshaw is an authority on military history and this is no exception as this detailed and well researched book is a must for who are interested in WW1.