Generals Die in Bed: 100th Anniversary Edition - Softcover

Harrison, Charles Yale

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1554516927 ISBN 13: 9781554516926

Publisher: Annick Press, 2014

Synopsis

""A burning, breathing, historic document."" -- The New York Times As the world marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, the best-selling novel "Generals Die in Bed" becomes more relevant than ever. Originally published in 1930, the landmark novel was one of the first to shatter the world's illusion that war is a glorious endeavor. Instead, this chilling first-hand account brought readers face to face with the brutal, ugly realities of life in the trenches. As an eager new recruit, the narrator is catapulted into a nightmarish scenario of mud and fear, rat- and lice-infested decay, and vicious, wholesale killing. One by one, his friends are ripped apart by the constant barrage of artillery shells. Staring into the eyes of a German soldier just before he thrusts his bayonet, he realizes that like him, he is only a young, terror-stricken boy caught up in the insanity of war. Regular leave takes the soldiers away momentarily from the front where they scramble for wine, women, or whatever else will help them forget that they have to go back. A serious leg wound buys the narrator walking papers home, but he returns a disillusioned, cynical, and angry man appalled at the senselessness of it all. Often compared to "All Quiet on the Western Front" and "A Farewell to Arms," "Generals Die in Bed" was hailed on publication as "the best of the war books" by the "New York Evening Standard." With veterans of WWI no longer here to tell their tales, this book stands as a lasting monument to the horror of war. ""The importance of this book... cannot be overstated." " -- The Globe and Mail ""This is a powerful literary work that deserves an audience beyond young adults." " -- ForeWord Magazine ""The best novel about Canadians in the Great War." " -- Professor J.L. Granatstein, former director, Canadian War Museum .".". stands as a reminder of the insanity of using warfare to solve political problems, of sacrificing human beings for ideological purposes." " --

About this title

Product Description:

As the world marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, the bestselling novel Generals Die in Bed becomes more relevant than ever. Originally published in 1930, the landmark novel was one of the first to shatter the world’s illusion that war is a glorious endeavor. Instead, this chilling first-hand account brought readers face to face with the brutal, ugly realities of life in the trenches. Often compared to All Quiet on the Western Front and A Farewell to Arms, Generals Die in Bed was described by The New York Times as a burning, breathing, historic document.” With veterans of WWI no longer here to tell their tales, this book stands as a lasting monument to the horror of war.

Review:

[Review of previous edition: ] Harrison's damning indictment of a war in which generals die in bed while soldiers die in a lousy trench resonates with the impact of his experiences.... From Montreal with recruits celebrating their departure and crowds waving flags and cheering, the scene shifts abruptly to the unspeakable horrors of the trenches. None of his training has prepared the teenage protagonist and narrator (never given a name) for the actuality of the trenches... In stark and powerful prose, the narrator chronicles his experiences, admitting he can find nothing to appease his terror.... Although the narrative is often abrupt and stark, the rhythm of language effectively communicates the ugliness and harsh reality that is the lot of soldiers on the front lines.... Generals Die in Bed is no gentle treatise on war; it stands as a reminder of the insanity of using warfare to solve political problems, of sacrificing human beings for ideological purposes. Highly Recommended.--Darleen Golk"Canadian Materials" (11/15/2002)

[Review of previous edition: ] The author, an American working in Canada, served with the Royal Montreal Regiment during the war. His fictionalized account of experiences in the vermin-filled trenches of Europe does not glorify the experience. First published in 1930, the book leaves no doubt that combat was brutal, conditions severe, and recruits not likely to die in the comfort of a bed. This new edition includes an introduction that places the book in context, plus a map of the front and archival photographs.... The writing is a terse staccato, echoing gunfire and pounding hearts, and reinforcing tension.... Period photographs add to the book's gritty, poignant reality. This powerful literary work deserves an audience beyond young adults.--Linda Salisbury"ForeWord" (05/01/2002)

[Review of previous edition: ] A classic... an almost clinical account of war's brutalizing effects.--Brian Bethune"Macleans" (11/08/2004)

About this edition

• Publisher: Annick Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1554516927
• ISBN 13: 9781554516926
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168