The horrors of World War Two, particularly the concentration camps and nuclear bombs, are far more familiar to most people. However, World War One was itself an unspeakable nightmare, and as you noted above, it "marked a turning point in human history." Thank you for sharing.
I find the story of the war poets profoundly moving and interesting. Terrence Davies’ wonderful film ‘Benediction’ is well worth watching; it’s about Sassoon.
The amount of talent, skill and intelligence buried in the mud and waste of those fields still reverberates today. We only have to look at the same mistakes being perpetrated by the US hegemonic empire this very day to understand the more things change the more they profit the war lords.
Thank you for this. Most of my knowledge comes from Pat Barker’s Regeneration trilogy on the topic of Lockwood, Dr Rivers, etc. I’ve meant to read Sherston’s Progress but perhaps another work, among those you mention, would be best as an intro to his prose? Thanks!
Very good article. War is so devastating to soldiers and civilians alike. It shows the atrocities committed in these wars and WW1 was such a waste of lives and unnecessary dying of everyday soldiers while the so called armchair warriors lived lives away from the carnage. So sad indeed. 😢
The horrors of World War Two, particularly the concentration camps and nuclear bombs, are far more familiar to most people. However, World War One was itself an unspeakable nightmare, and as you noted above, it "marked a turning point in human history." Thank you for sharing.
Incredibly sad and profound stuff. Thank you for writing and sharing this.
Thanks for reading!
I find the story of the war poets profoundly moving and interesting. Terrence Davies’ wonderful film ‘Benediction’ is well worth watching; it’s about Sassoon.
I'll definitely check it out!
The amount of talent, skill and intelligence buried in the mud and waste of those fields still reverberates today. We only have to look at the same mistakes being perpetrated by the US hegemonic empire this very day to understand the more things change the more they profit the war lords.
A wonderful piece of writing, Marina.
Thank you so much x
I’m so glad I found your Substack. In researching my own work I became obsessed with the poetry of WWI. great series, thank you!
Thank you for this. Most of my knowledge comes from Pat Barker’s Regeneration trilogy on the topic of Lockwood, Dr Rivers, etc. I’ve meant to read Sherston’s Progress but perhaps another work, among those you mention, would be best as an intro to his prose? Thanks!
Very good article. War is so devastating to soldiers and civilians alike. It shows the atrocities committed in these wars and WW1 was such a waste of lives and unnecessary dying of everyday soldiers while the so called armchair warriors lived lives away from the carnage. So sad indeed. 😢