Writing the Great War

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For France, the First World War was a war of national self-defense, while for Britain, it was not, leading to different literary treatments of the conflict. However, examining the French and British traditions side by side reveals both commonalities and differences. The essays in this bilingual volume, contributed by scholars from both sides of the Channel, highlight shared themes such as realistic trench narratives, humor as a coping mechanism, and the role of imagination and creativity. Notably, while French literature features extensive poetry about the war, there is no direct equivalent to the British 'war poets.' The volume explores iconic figures like Owen, Brooke, Barbusse, Apollinaire, and Proust, as well as lesser-known writers, including those from non-European backgrounds who contributed significantly to the war effort. The collection aims to shed light on the diverse thematic responses to the war in both literary traditions, emphasizing the absence of mythologizing in French poetry despite its prolific output. The preface is authored by Sir Hew Strachan, a distinguished historian of the period.