Voices from the Trenches: 40 First World War Novels: Under Fire, A Soldier Of The Empire, The Spy in Black, The Wasted Generation, The Great Impersonation

by John Buchan, D.H. Lawrence, H.C. McNeile

Voices from the 40 First World War Novels is dedicated to the sacrifice and courage of the veterans and fallen heroes of World War I. The goal of this anthology is to capture the profound experiences and diverse perspectives of the First World War through a rich array of literary styles. The collection spans gripping narratives of front-line bravery, poignant tales of life on the home front, and deeply reflective pieces that explore the psychological impacts of war. Standout works within this anthology powerfully convey the complex emotions and harrowing realities of wartime, providing an essential tapestry of human resilience, loss, and the overarching quest for peace. Through these varied narratives, the collection underscores the monumental significance of World War I in shaping modern literature and thought. The esteemed authors included in this anthology bring together a wealth of experience and influence, their collective contributions weaving a rich narrative landscape that is both educational and evocative. These authors emerge from diverse backgrounds and literary milieus, many influenced by the stark realities of the war itself. This kaleidoscope of voices enriches the reader's understanding of the era, shedding light on the vast and varied impacts of global conflict and the human condition amidst the chaos of war.

9289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2024

About the author

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John Buchan was a Scottish novelist, historian, and Unionist politician who served as Governor General of Canada, the 15th since Canadian Confederation.
As a youth, Buchan began writing poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction, publishing his first novel in 1895 and ultimately writing over a hundred books of which the best known is The Thirty-Nine Steps. After attending Glasgow and Oxford universities, he practised as a barrister. In 1901, he served as a private secretary to Lord Milner in southern Africa towards the end of the Boer War. He returned to England in 1903, continued as a barrister and journalist. He left the Bar when he joined Thomas Nelson and Sons publishers in 1907. During the First World War, he was, among other activities, Director of Information in 1917 and later Head of Intelligence at the newly-formed Ministry of Information. He was elected Member of Parliament for the Combined Scottish Universities in 1927.
In 1935, King George V, on the advice of Canadian Prime Minister R. B. Bennett, appointed Buchan to succeed the Earl of Bessborough as Governor General of Canada and two months later raised him to the peerage as 1st Baron Tweedsmuir. He occupied the post until his death in 1940. Buchan promoted Canadian unity and helped strengthen the sovereignty of Canada constitutionally and culturally. He received a state funeral in Canada before his ashes were returned to the United Kingdom.