It'll All be Over by Christmas: The First World War in Postcards

The postcards in It'll All Be Over By Christmas capture the experiences of the First World War from various perspectives, including at home, at the front, in training, in hospital, and in convalescence. They were sent from fathers to wives and children, sons to family, friends, and loved ones, sharing thoughts, hopes, and worries. The book features over 150 illustrations, including rare examples, and demonstrates how postcards were used to enlist volunteers and boost morale through humor, sentimentality, and propaganda. They also encouraged support of the war effort through fundraising and practical roles for women.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2022
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

The postcards featured in It'll All Be Over By Christmas provide a captivating glimpse into the various aspects of the First World War experienced by individuals at home, on the front lines, in training, in hospitals, and during convalescence. These personal messages, penned by fathers to their wives and children, sons to family, friends, and loved ones, offer a profound insight into their thoughts, hopes, and worries, as well as the lighter side of life. The postcards encompass a wide range of perspectives, including those from individuals at sea, in prisoner-of-war camps, and representatives of the Central Powers.

Featuring an impressive collection of over 150 illustrations, including rare examples, the book showcases the versatile nature of postcards as a medium for communication and propaganda. It demonstrates how postcards were utilized to enlist volunteers, boost morale, and promote practical roles for women in support of the war effort. Through humor, sentimentality, and propaganda, postcards encouraged individuals to contribute to the war effort by fundraising, sending "comforts to those on the front line," and advocating for women's involvement in practical roles.

This fascinating book offers a profound and multifaceted insight into the experiences of war through the lens of postcards. It sheds light on the personal connections and emotions shared between individuals during this tumultuous period, while also highlighting the broader societal and cultural implications of the war. By examining the messages conveyed through these postcards, readers gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of conflict and the ways in which postcards played a significant role in shaping public perception and support for the war.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914414985