Guy Cuthbertson is a literary historian whose work delves into the fabric of British life and memory, particularly through the lens of the early 20th century. He masterfully reconstructs the atmosphere and events of significant historical moments, drawing on a rich tapestry of primary sources to create accessible and engaging narratives. His scholarship often explores the transition from spontaneous celebration to considered commemoration, revealing how collective experiences evolve over time. Through his meticulous research and insightful prose, Cuthbertson offers a vivid portrayal of the past, making history come alive for the contemporary reader.
Focusing on Thomas's reaction to the countryside, this volume features a comprehensive introduction that offers biographical insights, details the circumstances of its creation, and contextualizes its themes historically. Each work is accompanied by a headnote to clarify its significance, along with extensive annotations to enhance understanding of Thomas's intricate prose.
The book offers a detailed, hour-by-hour narrative of Armistice Day 1918, capturing the emotional and historical significance of the moment when World War I came to an end. It provides a unique perspective on the events and feelings experienced by people during that pivotal day, marking the centenary with a blend of vivid storytelling and intimate accounts that highlight the profound impact of peace after years of conflict.
"One of Britain's best-known and most loved poets, Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) was killed at age 25 on one of the last days of the First World War, having acted heroically as soldier and officer despite his famous misgivings about the war's rationale and conduct. He left behind a body of poetry that sensitively captured the pity, rage, valor, and futility of the conflict. In this new biography Guy Cuthbertson provides a fresh account of Owen's life and formative influences: the lower-middle-class childhood that he tried to escape; the places he lived in, from Birkenhead to Bordeaux; his class anxieties and his religious doubts; his sexuality and friendships; his close relationship with his mother and his childlike personality. Cuthbertson chronicles a great poet's growth to poetic maturity, illuminates the social strata of the extraordinary Edwardian era, and adds rich context to how Owen's enduring verse can be understood"-- Provided by publisher
A vivid, original, and intimate hour-by-hour account of Armistice Day 1918, to mark its centenary this year