Forgotten Voices of the Great War: A New History of WWI in the Words of the Men and Women Who Were There

I was never much interested in The Great War. World War II was more 'glamorous' for me... This book changed my perception of a War that was entrenched in trenches! ALL soldiers are brave, some more than others. The men who fought in the Great War were exceptionally so.The book comes in first hand accounts from the men who fought, the civilians who stayed and a society that changed. I can't praise this book high enough. One reviewer here refers to the 'white feather' incident (where a soldier home on leave is handed a white feather- a sign of cowardice- by a woman) and how the men built up a camaraderie and a solidarity that we will never understand, out on the killing fields.This is NOT a military stategies book, and this does not go into detail about the massive logistical side of this campaign. This is a book of the men who were there, there thoughts and feelings when hell and chaos descended upon them. This also tells us a little of how British society was changed and how the women stepped into the shoes of those who had gone off to war. These are the words of the soldiers who went to foreign fields, fought in some of the most brutal battles, who were scarred much more deeply than we would ever imagine and, by some miracle, survived...Never forget these forgotten voices. The least we can do is pay our respects to the fallen every November 11th.

Incredible book - I’d highly recommend that anyone read it, it’s easy to break down into sections thanks to the diary excerpts. It offers a graphic insight into the world at that time, the horrors and despair are tangible. It doesn’t half make you thankful for the comforts of today.

I purchased this book after seeing a news bulliten about the First World War and the battle of the Somme etc.These brave soldiers suffered no end of terror and frightenings but they gave there all for their country and we should never forget their sacrifices and that's what led me to read about what they went through.The author spent years interviewing those who came through the war in order to get their stories whilst they were alive.Although it,s sad these brave soldiers are not alive today but their bravery and stoicism lives on in our minds.A must read book.

Heart rending, though provoking, stimulating, frightening and enlightening. A MUST read for this anniversary year. I get right in to this. This is my second purchase of the book, I loaned the last one out and it never came back. Still doing the rounds of the family/friends.They do say "Lest We Forget" well one read of this and you will never forget it.

This book brings world war 1 to life, as these are real diaries, written by real soldiers. Perfect for my son's key stage 3 history project. I loved the fact that some accounts start before the war started, and take you through the battles they endured, right up to when peace was declared. This is a piece of history everyone should read, and should never be forgotten

Yet another very good book in the FORGOTTEN VOICES series.A fascinating read,it is compiled using the personal recollections of the people who were involved in this period of history.The people that are included in this book range from children, women factory workers to the troops who took part in the battles of the Western Front and Gallipoli.The book focuses on these 2 areas of the war.Veterans from Britain, Germany, Canada, Australia and the USA were interviewed for their contributions to the book.The FORGOTTEN VOICES series is a very good way to get an insight into events that took place inthe 20th century from the Great war to the Falklands.

A very emotive book but such a good and interesting read. I bought it for my degree but I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the Great War from the people who actually experienced it - much more valuable than a text book :)

A fascinating look at the lives of soldiers,sailors,airmen and civilians, there must be hundreds of thousands of these short tales.....what a history lesson!

Fantastic read

It is difficult to find broad coverage of first person witnesses to the great war. For those who appreciate primary sources, this volume is worthy of being on your shelf.

Well researched & written.

Short interviews with a many ranks a that tell the story of what this brave invividuals had to live withon a daily basis in The Great War.Touchs the heart.

My Husband really enjoyed this book