The Penguin Book of First World War Poetry

by Unknown

• ISBN13: 9780141181905
• ISBN10: 0141181907
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-05-11
• Publisher: Penguin Classics

Summary

Unrivaled in its range and intensity, the poetry of World War I continues to have a powerful effect on readers. This newly edited anthology reflects the diverse experiences of those who lived through the war, bringing together the words of poets, soldiers, and civilians affected by the conflict. Here are famous verses by Rupert Brooke, Siegfried Sassoon, and Wilfred Owen; poetry by women writing from the home front; and the anonymous lyrics of soldiers’ songs. Arranged thematically, the selections take the reader through the war’s stages, from conscription to its aftermath, and offer a blend of voices that is both unique and profoundly moving.

Author Biography

George Walter is a lecturer in English at Sussex University and the editor of multiple volumes of Ivor Gurney-'s poetry.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. viii
Acknowledgements	p. li
A Note on the Text	p. liii
Prelude	p. 1
Your Country Needs You	p. 2
'Let the foul Scene proceed'	p. 2
'Who's for the khaki suit'	p. 20
In Training	p. 31
Somewhere in France	p. 46
In Trenches	p. 46
Behind the Lines	p. 65
Comrades of War	p. 78
Action	p. 99
Rendezvous with Death	p. 99
Battle	p. 118
Aftermath	p. 139
Blighty	p. 166
Going Back	p. 166
The Other War	p. 180
Lucky Blighters	p. 205
Peace	p. 222
Everyone Sang	p. 222
The Dead and the Living	p. 235
'Have you forgotten yet?'	p. 257
Coda	p. 277
Notes	p. 279
A Glossary of the Western Front	p. 321
Biographies	p. 331
Further Reading	p. 361
Poem Acknowledgements	p. 366
Index of Titles and First Lines	p. 370
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