Sword of HonourSeries
This saga follows the life of Guy Crouchback, a man seeking honor and action during World War II. The series delves into the absurdities and bureaucracy of military life, where valor often clashes with triviality and failure. Through his experiences, from coastal operations in West Africa to British command, the series masterfully depicts the collision of ideals with wartime reality. It offers a satirical yet poignant look at the lives of officers during a global conflict.
Recommended Reading Order
- 1
- 2
Fueled by idealism and eagerness to contribute to the war effort, Guy Crouchback becomes attached to a commando unit undergoing training on the Hebridean isle of Mugg, where the whisky flows freely and respect must be paid to the laird. But the comedy of Mugg is soon followed by the bitterness of Crete, where chaos reigns and a difficult evacuation must be accomplished. Officers and Gentlemen is the second novel in Waugh's brilliant Sword of Honor trilogy recording the tumultuous wartime adventures of Guy Crouchback, which also comprises Men at Arms and Unconditional Surrender.
- 3
Third of World War II trilogy. M̀en of arms' 30 LP I/S; Òfficers and gentlemen' 15 I/S; Ùnconditonal surrender' 1 I/S. Rev ed. incorporating all these works as a whole under title S̀word of honour' 8 I/S.
Guy Crouchback, a Catholic and a gentleman is commissioned into the Royal Corps of Halberdiers during the war years 1939-45. High comedy - in the company of Brigadier Ritchie-Hook or the denizens of Bellamy's Club - is only part of the shambles of his war. When action comes in Crete and in Yugoslavia, he discovers not heroism, but humanity.
The Sword of Honour Trilogy
- 571 pages
- 20 hours of reading
The story of Guy Crouchback, whose career as an officer in the royal corps of Halberdiers is chequered and strewn with blunders and botched encounters. It is also rich in such indelibly funny characters as Colonel Ritchie-Hook and Apthorpe.
