Author Description

This exciting anthology combines in one volume many of the best war stories ever written, both real-life and fictional. From the romantic grandeur of the Napoleonic era to the dehumanizing horrors of the two World Wars, from Europe to Africa, the collection spans two centuries and even extends into the future. Robert Graves' famous evocation of squalor and tragedy in the Great War, Goodbye to All That, and Guy Gibson's gripping account of the celebrated 'dambusters' bombing raid are both examples of the compelling writing of those who, when exposed to unwanted brutality and hardship, discover in themselves unknown resources of courage and fortitude. Stories by famous war writers like Nicholas Monsarrat and Alistair MacLean stand in company with those of authors better known in other areas, for example H.G. Wells' terrifying picture of England under threat of Martian invasion and Ambrose Bierce's eerie mystery of the American Civil War. The panoramic vista of the clashing armies of Russia and France at Borodino is graphically described by Tolstoy. By contrast, there is the personal drama of H.E. Bates' love story Fair Stood the Wind For France, and the maniacal savagery of the trail blazing novel of war realism, The Naked and the Dead by Norma Mailer. Humor is also well represented, as is Joseph Heller's hilarious bestselling expose, Catch 22, and, of a gentler kind, in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's character, Brigadier Gerard. This varied and entertaining assortment of stories and extracts, reflecting the breadth and depth of human experience in time of war, provides compelling and satisfying reading. --back cover