Product Description

The armies that marched to war in 1914 were unique in composition, spirit and outlook. Modern warfare demanded the mobilisation of the entire population and the recruitment of a socially diverse citizen-army; how would the innocent generation respond to the horrors of the trenches? Malcolm Brown's book conveys the spirit of the British Tommy, weaving a concise analysis of the British army in the First World War with first-hand accounts taken from uncensored letters and diaries. He leads us from initial impact of mobilisation, through long years of trench warfare, and on to the euphoria and relief of victory. The eloquence, humanity and humour of the British soldier shine through and the work stands as a moving tribute to a lost and valiant generation. Yet war is a time of contradictions, and alongside the image of the 'noble Tommy' we are presented with forthright criticisms of the conditions at the front, and more disturbingly, while many had no personal animosity towards the Germans, a taste of the bloodlust that was awakened in these unlikely warriors.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #615650 in Books
• Published on: 2004-06-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

BBC History Magazine
‘beautifully produced… Brown captures and conveys the generously naïve spirit of the men of 1914-1918.’

The Sunday Telegraph
‘the fury, fear, mud, blood, boredom and bravery that made up life on the Western Front are vividly presented and illustrated.’

The Times
‘shows the changing mood of infantrymen and their relatives from the euphoria of 1914 to the growing bitterness and disullusionment of the suceeding war years.’

Customer Reviews

A haunting review of the death of innocence
From the joyous celebrations in 1914 to the bitter cynicism of four years later, this is an enthralling portrait of how the outbreak of war was greeted in "Blighty".
From the corridors of power in Whitehall to the slums of the North, this book captures the passion and dedication of the lost generation; the book touches on many themes, from political propaganda, to the idea that this would be a "jolly day out", and no matter what the boys would be home by Christmas.
It is well written, well structured, and a delight to read. The style of this book is very different to other accounts, such as those of Lyn MacDonald, but it offers a well balanced view of governmental pontifications, assessed next to the reasons why the common man turned up to go off and fight. The many colourful images and asides relating to life on the home front are fascinating, and give the reader a fine view of contemporary life as it was torn apart by the horrors of the Western Front
In the years that have passed since the War, it may be hard now to understand why so many young men gave up their jobs, their family (and in so many cases their lives), however this book paints a picture of post-Empire Britain that will stick in the memory for the right reasons.
I recommend this book most strongly, it is insightful, interesting and above all, which I find most important, a thoroughly good read. This is an essential addition to the collection of any student of the War or simply those interested in social history.