Letters from a Lost Generation: First World War Letters of Vera Brittain and Four Friends

by Alan Bishop (Editor), Mark Bostridge (Editor), Mark Bostridge (Author), Alan Bishop (Editor), Mark Bostridge (Editor), Mark Bostridge (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1998

  $3.25

  Published to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Armistice Day, this is a selection of letters, written between 1913 to 1918, between Vera Brittain and four young men - her fiance (Roland Leighton), her brother Edward, and their close friends, Victor Richardson and Geoffrey Thurlow. The letters present a portrait of five young people caught up in the cataclysm of total war. Roland, nicknamed Monseigneur , is the leader, and his letters most clearly trace the path which led from idealism to disillusionment. Edward, known as Immaculate of the Trenches , was the more orderly and controlled one - even down to his attire. Geoffrey, the non-militarist at heart , had not rushed to enlist, but felt compelled to put aside his objections to the war for patriotism's sake and volunteer. Victor, on the other hand, had wanted to convince himself that he could take on the mantle of the warrior and become a military hero. Possessed of sweetness of character, he was known to his friends as Father Confessor .

• Used

  Paperback
  1999

  $3.25

  This is a selection of letters, written between 1913 to 1918, between Vera Brittain and four young men - her fiance (Roland Leighton), her brother Edward, and their close friends, Victor Richardson and Geoffrey Thurlow. The letters present a portrait of five young people caught up in the cataclysm of total war. Roland, nicknamed Monseigneur , is the leader, and his letters most clearly trace the path which led from idealism to disillusionment. Edward, known as Immaculate of the Trenches , was the more orderly and controlled one - even down to his attire. Geoffrey, the non-militarist at heart , had not rushed to enlist, but felt compelled to put aside his objections to the war for patriotism's sake and volunteer. Victor, on the other hand, had wanted to convince himself that he could take on the mantle of the warrior and become a military hero. Possessed of sweetness of character, he was known to his friends as Father Confessor .

• New

  Paperback
  2008

  $13.70

  Nothing in the papers, not the most vivid and heart-rending descriptions, have made me realise war like your letters' Vera Brittain to Roland Leighton, 17 April 1915.

  This selection of letters, written between 1913 & 1918, between Vera Brittain and four young men - her fiance Roland Leighton, her brother Edward and their close friends Victor Richardson & Geoffrey Thurlow present a remarkable and profoundly moving portrait of five young people caught up in the cataclysm of total war.
  Roland, 'Monseigneur', is the 'leader' & his letters most clearly trace the path leading from idealism to disillusionment. Edward, ' Immaculate of the Trenches', was orderly & controlled, down even to his attire. Geoffrey, the 'non-militarist at heart' had not rushed to enlist but put aside his objections to the war for patriotism's sake. Victor on the other hand, possessed a very sweet character and was known as 'Father Confessor'. An important historical testimony telling a powerful story of idealism, disillusionment and personal tragedy.