Soldiers Don't Go Mad: A Story of Brotherhood, Poetry and Mental Illness During the First World War

During World War I, Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon were patients at Craiglockhart War Hospital, where they were encouraged in their work and personal reckonings with the morality of war. Therapy provided insights that allowed them to express themselves better, and the hospital notably incubated the most significant developments in psychiatry and poetry. Soldiers Dont Go Mad explores the roots of PTSD and how creative work helps us come to terms with the darkest of times.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: Bedford Square Publishers

When Second Lieutenant Wilfred Owen was just twenty-four years old, he was admitted to the newly established Craiglockhart War Hospital for treatment of shell shock. A budding poet, grappling with the horror he had witnessed, he delved into a collection of poems by a fellow officer, Siegfried Sassoon, and was deeply moved by Sassoon's portrayal of the plight of the soldiers. A month later, Sassoon himself arrived at Craiglockhart, having refused to return to the front after being wounded during battle.

Over the course of their time at Craiglockhart, Owen and Sassoon nurtured each other's artistic endeavors, delved into their personal reflections on the morality of war, and sought solace in their shared experiences. The therapeutic interventions provided to Owen, Sassoon, and their fellow wardmates facilitated their ability to express themselves more effectively, and during the 28 months that Craiglockhart operated, it played a pivotal role in incubating some of the most significant developments in both psychiatry and poetry.

Soldiers Don't Go Mad offers a poignant exploration of the lives of the soldiers and doctors who grappled with the psychological toll of industrial warfare. Through his meticulous research, Glass sheds light on the origins of what we now recognize as PTSD, providing historical context for understanding the devastating effects of wars on mental health. He also highlights the therapeutic benefits of creative work in helping individuals cope with even the most challenging times.

Owen and Sassoon's journey at Craiglockhart serves as a testament to the resilience and humanity of those who faced the darkest chapters of history. Their artistic collaborations and personal growth, fueled by the support and understanding they found within the hospital, continue to inspire and resonate with people worldwide. The legacy of Craiglockhart War Hospital, as a hub of innovation and healing, remains a testament to the power of compassion and the importance of addressing the mental health consequences of conflict.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 242 x 160 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781835010150