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ljrinaldi's review
4.0
This is a book researched and first published nearly 50 years ago, by those who actually fought in the first world war, which ended, now, over 100 years ago.
The introductions have been revised, but nothing else in side has been. And how could it not be that way.
There is a section on the songs the soldiers sang, as well as a section on the slang. What is odd, is that some of the slang, and some of the songs, are gone from every day use. Others are still in use such as Booby trap, the song, often sung at summer camp or on long bus rides "We're here because we're here."
Others, such as Cockney rhyming slang, used, as is explained in the book, because it allowed you to discuss things that were not supposed to be discussed in polite society, or in front of officers. So saying "bottle and glass" was another way to say "ass".
It is more a reference, and a wealth of songs, sayings, and thoughts and feelings it contains. It may not have a lot of pictures, but it has a lot of information.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The introductions have been revised, but nothing else in side has been. And how could it not be that way.
There is a section on the songs the soldiers sang, as well as a section on the slang. What is odd, is that some of the slang, and some of the songs, are gone from every day use. Others are still in use such as Booby trap, the song, often sung at summer camp or on long bus rides "We're here because we're here."
Others, such as Cockney rhyming slang, used, as is explained in the book, because it allowed you to discuss things that were not supposed to be discussed in polite society, or in front of officers. So saying "bottle and glass" was another way to say "ass".
It is more a reference, and a wealth of songs, sayings, and thoughts and feelings it contains. It may not have a lot of pictures, but it has a lot of information.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
thewoollygeek's review
4.0
I loved the fact this was a book on the war for the common man, most Great War books focus on the poetry, the wonderful illustrations from the artists and that is absolutely beautiful but it’s important that it’s remembered from every walk of life, every experience and this book helps do that. I wasn’t keen on the censorship, I think books like this should be uncensored but it’s a great look at the working class experience via the language and songs.
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