Museums, History and the Intimate Experience of the Great War: Love and Sorrow

The Great War of 1914-1918 was fought on the battlefield, sea, air, and in the heart. Museums Victoria's exhibition World War I: Love and Sorrow explored the war's emotional impact on descendants and those who encounter it through museums today. Contributors to the book present a new narrative of the war, focusing on families and individuals and their private reckonings with the costs of the experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 08 October 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Great War of 1914-1918 was a multifaceted conflict that took place on land, at sea, in the air, and in the hearts of people. Museums Victoria's exhibition, World War I: Love and Sorrow, aimed to shed light on the nature, extent, and lasting impact of this war on individuals and families. Recognized as one of the most significant commemorations of the centenary of the Great War, the exhibition delved into the enduring emotional connections that the war continues to have on descendants and on those who encounter it through museums today. Contributors to this volume, drawn primarily from the exhibition's curators and advisory panel, grapple with the complexities of recovering and presenting difficult histories of the war.

In eleven essays, the book presents a new and nuanced narrative of the Great War, placing families and individuals at the center. Through their writings, contributors uncover private reckonings with the costs of this experience, both in the immediate aftermath of the war and over the past century.

The exhibition showcased a wide range of artifacts and materials, including personal letters, photographs, and diaries, providing a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and civilians during the war. It also explored the cultural and social changes that occurred as a result of the war, such as the rise of nationalism, the impact of propaganda, and the emergence of new technologies.

One of the key themes of the exhibition was the emotional toll that the war took on individuals and families. It highlighted the sacrifices made by soldiers and the trauma experienced by those who lost loved ones. The exhibition also explored the ways in which the war shaped the lives of survivors, both physically and mentally, and the challenges they faced in rebuilding their lives after the conflict.

Another important aspect of the exhibition was its focus on the legacy of the Great War. It examined the ways in which the war influenced subsequent conflicts, such as World War II, and the ways in which it shaped the world we live in today. The exhibition also explored the ongoing efforts to commemorate the war and to ensure that its lessons are not forgotten.

Overall, World War I: Love and Sorrow was a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition that provided a deeper understanding of the Great War and its enduring impact on individuals and families. It served as a reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by those who served in the war and of the ongoing importance of promoting peace and understanding in the world.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 163 x 240 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367487546