A History of World War One Poetry

This book explores popular and literary, ephemeral and enduring poems that the cataclysm of 1914-1918 inspired, presenting them in their original languages and English translations. It offers a new perspective on the literary and human experience of 1914-1918.

Format: Hardback
Length: 425 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book delves into the realm of First World War poetry, transcending the confines of the British soldier-poet canon. By examining a wide range of popular and literary, ephemeral and enduring poems inspired by the cataclysm of 1914-1918, A History of World War One Poetry offers a comprehensive exploration of the global dimensions of the conflict. Poets across Europe grappled with the challenge of representing a global war dominated by modern technology, involving millions of combatants and countless civilians. For literary scholars, this has entailed the discovery and engagement with the work of men and women writing in different languages, on different fronts, and from diverse national perspectives. The poems are presented in their original languages alongside English translations, some of which are making their debut, providing a unique opportunity to experience the poetry in its original form. A Coda further reflects on the study and significance of First World War poetry in the aftermath of the Centenary, highlighting its enduring impact on literature and human understanding of the war. A History of World War One Poetry presents a fresh perspective on the literary and human experiences of 1914-1918, enriching our understanding of this pivotal period in history.

Weight: 972g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009100649