Through Their Eyes: A Graphic History of Hill 70 and Canada's First World War

By the summer of 1917, Canadian troops had captured Vimy Ridge, but Allied offensives had stalled across many fronts of the Great War. To help break the stalemate of trench warfare, the Canadian Corps commander, Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie, was tasked with capturing Hill 70, a German stronghold near the French town of Lens. Through Their Eyes depicts this remarkable but costly victory in a unique way, with full-color graphic artwork and detailed illustrations that picture the battle from different perspectives. This innovative graphic history invites readers to reimagine the First World War through the eyes of those who lived it and to think more deeply about how we visualize and remember the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 13 October 2023
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

By the summer of 1917, Canadian troops had successfully captured Vimy Ridge, a significant victory in the Great War. However, Allied offensives across various fronts of the conflict had stagnated. In an effort to break the deadlock of trench warfare, Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie, commander of the Canadian Corps, was tasked with capturing Hill 70, a German stronghold near the French town of Lens.

On August 15, Canadian soldiers bravely secured the hill after enduring relentless shelling, machine-gun fire, and poison gas from the enemy. Despite facing fierce counterattacks, the soldiers valiantly repelled them, showcasing their unwavering determination and bravery.

Through Their Eyes: A Visual History of the Battle of Hill 70 presents this remarkable but costly victory in a unique way. Collaborators Matthew Barrett and Robert Engen have created a graphic novel that offers a multi-faceted perspective of the battle. The book features full-color graphic artwork and detailed illustrations, providing readers with a visual depiction of the conflict from various angles.

Currie's strategic view at high command, a junior officer's experience at the platoon level, and the vantage points of many lesser-known Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice are all captured in the artwork. This innovative approach allows readers to reimagine the First World War through the eyes of those who lived it and to contemplate the impact of visual representation on our understanding of history.

The book also includes thought-provoking commentary by experts in the field, shedding light on the historical context, military strategies, and personal stories behind the battle. By combining outstanding original art and insightful commentary, Through Their Eyes expands the ways in which history is shared and represented.

This graphic history not only offers a fresh perspective on the First World War but also highlights the sacrifices and contributions of Canadian soldiers. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering and honoring those who served.

In conclusion, Through Their Eyes: A Visual History of the Battle of Hill 70 is a captivating and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the First World War. Through its innovative artwork and insightful commentary, it invites readers to reimagine the conflict and contemplate the ways in which we visualize and remember the past. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on the Great War and a testament to the enduring legacy of Canadian soldiers.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228014751