Product Description

The shadow of the Somme has lain across the twentieth century. For many it is the ultimate symbol of the folly and futility of war. Others see it as a hallmark of heroic endeavour and achievement. This book offers a remarkably fresh perspective on the bitterly fought 1916 campaign; it also describes the later battles of the Somme in the Great War's final year, 1918. Using hitherto unpublished evidence from the archives of the Imperial War Museum, it tells its powerful and dramatic story through the letters and diaries of those who were there. Distinguished military historian Malcolm Brown has woven the many and varied accounts by well over a hundred participants - mainly British, but with not a few Germans - into a rich tapestry of experience. "Admirable ...If you can buy only one book on the Somme, it should be Malcolm Brown's powerful and scholarly account." - Richard Holmes, "Times Educational Supplement".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #228147 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

Review
'Admirable... If you can buy only one book on the Somme, it should be Malcolm Brown's powerful and scholarly account' Richard Holmes, TIMES EDUCATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

About the Author
Malcolm Brown has been a television documentary-maker and is the author of many books on military history, including Tommy Goes to War, the IWM Book of the Somme, and the IWM Book of 1918. He is a freelance historian at the Imperial War Museum.

Customer Reviews

This is indeed the Book of the Somme
Malcolm Brown's Book of the Somme is powerful in its analysis of one of the greatest battles in British military history.

The book is written with great attention to detail, by an author who not only has a deep interest in this time period, but is also, and rightly so, recognised as one of the leading figures in World War 1 military history.

What makes the book so special is that it is not purely a factual narrative of the events from July to November 1916. Of course, the book does describe in depth the planning of the battle, the key strategists involved, and the intended outcomes, but it also contains many personal accounts in the form of letters and correspondance.

Malcolm Brown has made excellent use of both British and German archived material, and given the book a very personal touch. By doing this, he has ensured that we never forget the massive sacrifice given by normal everyday people.

The Battle of the Somme showed how decisive the machine gun, barbed wire and artillery were in modern warfare. It also demonstrated the arrogance of the British and the huge loss of life that was acceptable in this war of attrition. The French had learned their lesson at Verdun, the British would learn theirs at The Somme.

There are only two books you will need in your library of the Somme battle. This book by Malcolm Brown is one of them. The second is Martin Middlebrook's famed work The First Day on the Somme. Together they will provide a harrowing and thoughtful account of this famous battle.

Brilliant
Malcolm Brown's "The Imperial War Museum Book of the Sommme" is an account which quickly as a previous customer stated "absorbing" and it is one of the most astonishing accounts on the horrific battle yet. Malcolm Brown guides you through the Somme in elegant passion to the subject and shares the letters, diaries and other accounts from the battle to offer a perfect view of the battle. Complete with many unseen photographs and elegant beauty within this book, this is a definate buy for anyone interested in the subject.

Excellent Account of the Somme
I recently purchased this author's latest book: 'The Imperial War Museum Book of 1918: Year of Victory' and was prompted to do so because I enjoyed his book on the Somme. I first read this book when it was released in hardback some years ago and I am somewhat surprised that it has not received any reviews of yet.

I have a passionate interest in books covering the Western Front during the Great War. I found this book to be a well researched and presented account of this terrible battle. Having read quite a few books on this battle I have no hesitation it placing it along side such great books as Lyn MacDonald's 'Somme' and Martin Middlebrook's 'The First Day on the Somme'.

Malcolm Brown has utilised numerous first hand accounts from diaries, reports, newspapers and interviews and uses these in a manner that brings life to this terrible battle. Somewhat similar in style to Lyn MacDonald and just as good, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The author tells the battle through the experiences of the ordinary (I should say extraordinary) soldier; British, Australian, Canadian, German and the many others who fought during this terrible carnage.

The narrative flows along smoothly and the personal accounts of the soldiers seem to blend in effortlessly. Malcolm Brown has used the resources of the Imperial War Museum to present a detailed and accurate story of the Somme which I am sure that most people would enjoy and find rewarding. If you can no longer find a copy of Lyn MacDonald's 'Somme' or Martin Middlebrook's 'The First Day on the Somme' grab this book instead, you won't be disappointed!

Of interest to other readers this book was recently hailed as "a valuable addition to First World War literature".