Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #202637 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Synopsis
"Whole waves were swept by the fire. The dead lay in long rows where they had fallen, the wounded lay with them." It was a bitter battle of attrition that cost the British army 58,000 casualties on the first day alone; a five-month slaughter that ended in muddy stalemate. Journey to the frontline with this book and 60-minute DVD and witness one of the most momentous and ill-fated offensives of the Great War. See how the battle unfolded, with archive images and film footage, interviews, key military features and 'then and now' views of the battlefield that reveal the full, tragic story. Discover the reasons behind the offensive, its impact and aftermath. Bring the war home: accompanying geneological information allows you to trace ancestors who fought or fell during this terrible conflict.

Customer Reviews

Informative
What makes this book so informative is that it offers the Somme "novice" a view of then and now and helps to bring life to a subject that can be difficult to visualise. That is what helps people gain and maintain interest, and sets this book apart. It will act as a valuable companion to anyone who is starting out to learn about this incredibly interesting subject, and would also be a useful guide when visiting the battlefields and surrounding area. The DVD is a welcome bonus.
20 Somme experts will give 20 differing opinions on this book. As a novice, I found it absorbing, enlightening and good value.

A picture of the Somme
This book gives a background to the first world war and explains why the disaster of the Somme came about. Haig was at the mercy of the French generals and saw no strategic advantage in the battle of the Somme, but was obliged to follow their dictates. The book is beautifully designed and illustrated and a very moving account of that period. It also brings us up to date by showing the battle fields now and the manner in which the various sites are commemorated.

Refreshing
"The real voyage of discovery," wrote Proust, "consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." The authors of this book have taken a subject that is already saturated in the marketplace and presented a completely fresh, unique approach. The Somme Then And Now - A Visual History is not only visually sophisticated, which one would hope considering it's A Visual History, but is an informative, erudite and accessible guide to the battle, aftermath and the Somme today, beautifully presented through a wealth of archive and contemporary photographs, photomontages, maps and interviews.
The central narrative is interspersed with interviews from pundits and those currently residing in the region with extra material featured on the accompanying DVD; personal favourite is the proprietor of La Tommy Bar. It is unfortunate that the DVD lacks the high production values of the book (it also includes further typescript errors) and some of the footage should have been omitted in order to produce a much tighter, professional presentation. However the dual format does add an extra dimension and take-out for the reader and if, like me, you are planning your own pilgrimage to the Somme, then this book/DVD complete with maps, tour operators and accommodation is an invaluable companion.