Tommy Atkins in the Great War

[David Seymour]

Tommy Atkins in the Great War, devised by Robin Ollington and illustrated by Albany Wiseman has been developed and designed by David Edgell and Duncan Youel. David and Duncan last year completed the design of the graphic displays, films and animations at the new Visitor Centre next to the Memorial to the Missing of the Somme at Thiepval.

This is a beautifully watercolour-illustrated 84 page softback which provides an excellent introduction to the study of the First World War for its designed audience of children aged from six to nine. However, the qualities of the book are such that it will charm people from nine to ninety! And for adults whose knowledge of the Great War is sketchy or next to nothing this book will serve as a brilliant primer. The history in it is accurate, and the message is one of remembrance. Refreshingly there is no hidden moral message about the futility of the war.

The book tells the story of friends who join up together and go through the war together, and along the way the reader is introduced to various aspects of the war: recruiting and training, the Channel crossing and arrival in France, the pigeons, the parcels from home, mining and going over the top, casualties, aircraft, tanks and gas, Americans, French, Germans, and Imperial forces, and coming home and remembrance.

Tommy Atkins in the Great War by Robin Ollington and Albany Wiseman, ISBN 0953645215, £9.99 + £1 p&p may be ordered from Tommy Atkins Productions Ltd., 1B Avenue Studios, Sydney Close, London, SW3 6HN. All enquiries: 020 7584 9947.

The authors will give part of the proceeds from the sale of this book to the Royal Hospital Chelsea’s Appeal for £35m. to modernise the accommodation and the hospital for the Chelsea Pensioners.

David

[LizM]

Have just read this book and as you say the illustrations are absolutely wonderful. A great read and a must for children of all ages!!

A great introduction to WW1 - schools should have this one in there librarys.

LizM

[David Seymour]

Liz,

Delighted to hear that you enjoyed the book. Always good to know that one is not alone in thinking well of a book! I wonder if any other Pals have read and enjoyed it?

With best wishes,

David

[David Seymour]

Robin and Albany brought the original artwork for the book to the Remembrance Conference at Thetford Grammar School last week. They talked about the genesis of the book and how the artwork came together. The pupils, aged 14 to 18, were fascinated by the original drawings and watercolours. The book has also gone down very well with our Junior School (Years 4 to 6). So, with Christmas coming ever closer I can highly recommend this book for somebody's present. Might start off an interest in the Great War!

Best wishes,

David