All Roads Lead to
Swift,
Andrew
ISBN: 0 9546 138 3 X HB512 pp £30
Published by Akeman Press.
Andrew Swift has produced a fascinating study of the effects of the Great War
on the inhabitants and the city of
Dr Swift’s opinions may not wholly appeal to revisionist historians, but this
does not detract from the quality or the content of the book. Dr Swift explores
in great detail the impact that the war had on
Taking each year as a separate subject, he examines not only the major events
taking place in various theatres of war, but on the home front as well, with
case histories of soldiers and individuals at home in Bath; for example the
sons of the Mayor were killed within weeks of each other in 1916.
Not only is recruiting dealt with in detail, but the cases of Conscientious
Objectors are examined, probably for the first time, many make very sad
reading, as do the stories of soldier’s wives and individuals who committed
suicide owing to the pressures of the war.
Dr Swift has also found some fascinating stories of everyday life, and the
changes that the war had on this, for example inflation rates, and DORA, as
well as concerns over the decline in moral values, expressions of which do not
seem much different than today! .
The book is very well illustrated with many unseen photographs and postcards,
and produced on fine quality paper, which is probably reflected in the price.
Notes appear at the foot of each page which I always find pleasing. There are
ten very interesting appendices, and a complete roll of honour. Highly
recommended.
Reviewer - Michelle Young
