ISBN: 1 85285 512 6 PB 299 14.99
Published by Hambledon Continuum.
It is good news for all those interested in the Great War that Hambledon
Continuum have republished Dan Todman's book, The Great War - Myth and Memory.
He provides the reader with an insight into how history can be manipulated by
individuals, groups and society as a whole. He explains how the Great War myths
were formulated. In order to do this he breaks the war down into seven distinct
areas; Mud, Death, Donkeys, Futility, Poets, Veterans and Modern Memory.
Each topic is examined in an interest and analytical manner. He refers the
reader to many of the books that have lead to the much vaunted view of Butchers
and Bunglers.
I personally had my original views of the Great War formulated by the writings
of books by AJP Taylor and Alan Clark, the war poets such as Wilfred Owen and
Siegfried Sassoon, along with the television serial, 'Blackadder Goes Forth'.
Dan Todman enlightens the reader as to how and why these images and versions of
the war were produced, and what effect they on society as a whole.
Professor Peter Simkins rates Dan Todmans book as being one that should be read
by all those who have an interest in the Great War. It is a good book which
certainly debunks many of the well held and factually wrong views of the war.
I would recommend it whole heartedly.
Reviewer: Martin Hornby
