D.Ladkin Posted 3 October , 2006 Share Posted 3 October , 2006 I'm not yet into heavy reading through detailed accounts of the various battles and I find this book most useful in giving an overall view of so many different aspects of WW1. First published in 1978 and now revised in 2005, it contains just over 200 pages of personal accounts from uncensored letters and diaries with additional comments,often to bring the situations into perspective and link the subjects. All these are arranged in suitable chapters as the war progressed. There is a comprehensive index ,so it is also easy to look up particular subjects of interest, eg. Rations,Trenches,trench routine,Discipline etc. to see what soldiers experience and feelings are on these subjects. For a first foray into WW1 history I think that this book ( which I have borrowed from the Library) is an excellent introduction and I shall put it on my Christmas list This is also my first attempt at reviewing a book but I thought it worth bringing it to your attention. Derek L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 3 October , 2006 Share Posted 3 October , 2006 Great Book,had it in my collection for Years,so its getting a bit worn.An absoloute must for anyone just developing an interest in the Great War. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 3 October , 2006 Share Posted 3 October , 2006 Sounds good to me, would this be a book my son could read? He is 11. He is very interested in The Great War, as well as I. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.Ladkin Posted 3 October , 2006 Author Share Posted 3 October , 2006 I would think it is quite suitable for your son to read if he has a desire to learn about the effect that the war had on those involved in the fighting, at a more personal level. If you are concerned by 'uncensored' letters,this relates to military matters and security rather than the letters containing any 'obscene language' A couple of ' naughty' pages concerning Sex and venereal disease are included, both of which are all part of wartimes, but not made light of in the book. There are obviously descriptions of wounded and the dead and dying but depending on his imagination, no worse than depicted in recent war films I should think. There are also several pages of photographs. Most of the content is short extracts of letters and explanatary notes of different situations and I find it easy to delve into at any chapter and find some item of interest on a particular subject, which sometimes hadn't occured to me. In this respect it isn't a War story following a character 'Tommy' through the battles which maybe what your son might expect. If still doubtfull I think if you obtain it first from your library you can then decide but I think you will find it most enlightening. Regards, Derek L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Try Amazon.co.uk i have just looked on Amazon and they have it in stock,it will set you back around £3.50 plus P&P,i always buy my Books Secondhand from Amazon,as in all cases they are in all repects Brand New Books that have a slight nick or scratch on the ront or rear of the Cover,saying this i have been very pleased with the speed of delivery,ease of purchase,and the quality of the Product. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austen33 Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Try Amazon.co.uk Derek L/PBI Thanks for bring this to attention. Just brought an used-as new copy for 19p +plus 2.75 p&p of course. Still not much more than a pint ! Cheers Austen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Thats a really good Deal,you should check out their WW1 DVD section,again some very very good prices,i hope you and the boy enjoy reading the Book.Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Thank you Derek I will buy this book for myself, and see if anyone can recommend a book suitable for my son. I am off to look on Amazon now. Thank you PBI. Pettsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 I think that Tommy goes to War would be a very suitable read for your Son,how Old is the Lad ? if i might ask ?. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 I think that Tommy goes to War would be a very suitable read for your Son,how Old is the Lad ? if i might ask ?. Hi PBI, He is 11. (12 next July) Pettsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Well if he is showing an interest in WW1,i would say that this Book could well spark off a lifetime interest in the Subject.Another good source of scarce WW1 Books is a Chap called George Murdoch who runs a business called Armchair Auctions,and he specialises in WW1 Books,its very simple,you contact Him,He sends you a list of books in the Auction,you place your bid,and Bingo you win the Book.His contact number is 01264 362048.How did you get on with Amazon..did you get a good deal on the Book ?. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyHollinger Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Most of us on this forum, I think, believes that Mr. Brown has the dream job and must have made some Faustian pact to actually do the things he does. All of his books have been good reads and present a balanced, wonderful treatment of the intended area of coverage. I would, however, GIVE your son the book. 30 years from now, he will be able to see this gift from his father on his bookshelf and smile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Hello, Thank you. I have added to two books to my Christmas list TOMMY GOES TO WAR, and BROTHERS IN WAR. I just need to double check my dad hasn't got them. My son is showing an interest since I have been researching my g grandfather, who died along with his 4 brothers in the Great war. And a gg uncle. Thank you for the contact. Pettsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Most of us on this forum, I think, believes that Mr. Brown has the dream job and must have made some Faustian pact to actually do the things he does. All of his books have been good reads and present a balanced, wonderful treatment of the intended area of coverage. I would, however, GIVE your son the book. 30 years from now, he will be able to see this gift from his father on his bookshelf and smile. Thank you, I have decided to buy my son this book. And to take him to Cite Bon Jean Military Cemetery next May to visit his gg grandfathers grave. With myself (mum) and my parents His dad will stay at home babysitting Pettsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyHollinger Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Thank you, I have decided to buy my son this book. And to take him to Cite Bon Jean Military Cemetery next May to visit his gg grandfathers grave. With myself (mum) and my parents His dad will stay at home babysitting Pettsy Sorry for the gender assumption Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Sorry for the gender assumption No problem, You are not the first, and cannot guess by the user name "Pettsy" It sounds like a great book and I am looking forward to reading it. I might change it to Ms Pettsy or Ma Pettsy (not sounds too old) Lady Pettsy Karen (Pettsy) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austen33 Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Pettsy Apologies if I jumped in before you in the Amazon queue for this book - didn't think before clicking. However it's still avialble for £3.90 + p&p new Austen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 No problem, You are not the first, and cannot guess by the user name "Pettsy" It sounds like a great book and I am looking forward to reading it. I might change it to Ms Pettsy or Ma Pettsy (not sounds too old) Lady Pettsy Karen (Pettsy) What about La Pettsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 What about La Pettsy I like it Cheers PBI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auchonvillerssomme Posted 4 October , 2006 Share Posted 4 October , 2006 I would, however, GIVE your son the book. 30 years from now, he will be able to see this gift from his father on his bookshelf and smile. And say....'its ok dad i've found you a nice home, now don't forget your teeth and slippers' Mick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D.Ladkin Posted 4 October , 2006 Author Share Posted 4 October , 2006 Hi La Pettsy ( if I may be so bold I know I didn't commit myself in replying to your query "whether the book would be suitable for your son "but I had a sneaky feeling that you could be his Mum and tried to think what might concern you. In doing so I might have revealed something of my youth ! I remember my first dictionary at school and the teacher saying " And don't go looking up all the rude words " I have another book from the library which attracted me by the pictures and coloured plates in it (probably still have a boyish streak left in my old bones ! ) and it might interest your son also. "World War 1 Trench Warfare (2) 1916 -18 " Dr. Stephen Bull. ISBN 1-84176-198-2 7"x10" In about 66 pages ,with a picture or diagrams on most pages of weapons,trenches,tanks etc. it describes tactics and the weapons used in the front line. In the centre it has full size coloured plates of British, Commonwealth and German troops and describes their unforms and weapons. There is a Part (1) 1914-1916 but I haven't seen that. It might be worth considering if you get the chance. Derek L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 5 October , 2006 Share Posted 5 October , 2006 Hi La Pettsy ( if I may be so bold I know I didn't commit myself in replying to your query "whether the book would be suitable for your son "but I had a sneaky feeling that you could be his Mum and tried to think what might concern you. In doing so I might have revealed something of my youth ! I remember my first dictionary at school and the teacher saying " And don't go looking up all the rude words " I have another book from the library which attracted me by the pictures and coloured plates in it (probably still have a boyish streak left in my old bones ! ) and it might interest your son also. "World War 1 Trench Warfare (2) 1916 -18 " Dr. Stephen Bull. ISBN 1-84176-198-2 7"x10" In about 66 pages ,with a picture or diagrams on most pages of weapons,trenches,tanks etc. it describes tactics and the weapons used in the front line. In the centre it has full size coloured plates of British, Commonwealth and German troops and describes their unforms and weapons. There is a Part (1) 1914-1916 but I haven't seen that. It might be worth considering if you get the chance. Derek L Hi Derek, I think my main concern would have been that the book could have been "too heavy a read for him". Too much too take in for his young head. Boys love to look at pictures of Tanks, Guns, Medal etc.... So the book you have just mentioned sounds ideal. "World War 1 Trench Warfare (2) Thank you for your advice, us mum's worry too much I cannot wait to read Tommy goes to war. La Pettsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 5 October , 2006 Share Posted 5 October , 2006 Pettsy Apologies if I jumped in before you in the Amazon queue for this book - didn't think before clicking. However it's still avialble for £3.90 + p&p new Austen Hi no I was waiting to see if my dad had this book first. He has Tommy, another WW1 BOOK. I have put this book on my Christmas list with Brothers in War by Michael Walsh. Enjoy the book. La Pettsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austen33 Posted 6 October , 2006 Share Posted 6 October , 2006 Enjoy the book. Thanks - strange thing is that I was in my local library last night browsing and I just happened to notice that they had TWO copies of this on the shelves - could have saved myself the 19p ! Austen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pettsy Posted 6 October , 2006 Share Posted 6 October , 2006 Thanks - strange thing is that I was in my local library last night browsing and I just happened to notice that they had TWO copies of this on the shelves - could have saved myself the 19p ! Austen 19p you could have bought a er, um, erm, a packet of sweets? Polos maybe I should try my local library too, that's what my dad alway says. La Pettsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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