Poetry of the First World War

Reviews / Votes

What makes this anthology invaluable is the attention to detail. Not only is there an acutely perceptive general introduction, but all the poets - including the often misunderstood Rupert Brooke - receive a sympathetic and well judge individual introduction, together with a wealth of biographical and bibliographical information. * Agenda, N. S. Thompson * Kendall's introductory essay is a thoughtful contribution to the history of the war poetry. With the political point scoring that will dominate the major part of the media and political debate [during] the centenary, Kendall's collection reminds us of the human cost of that conflict, and of any conflict. * The Use of English, Anil Malhotra * Kendall's judicious selections, and his concise and useful introductions to each of the chosen poets, suggest that his anthology will become a standard work * Sean O'Brien, The Times Literary Supplement * The Oxford University Press anthology The Poetry of the First World War, edited by Tim Kendall, offers a counterweight to this year's public commemorations and it is a superb selection. * David Collard, Times Literary Supplement * Superb anthology. * Mail on Sunday * A superb, unbeatable collection * Bel Mooney, Daily Mail * The best poetry collection I read brilliantly edited, with illuminating notes. * Jerard Bretts, the guardian * This is a thoroughly well produced anthology of powerful and fascinating poems. * Sheenagh Pugh * This is much the best selection yet made ... Kendall selects brilliantly. * Peter McDonald, Times Literary Supplement * As a student-friendly definition of the Great War canon, and as a piece of meticulous scholarship, this one will be hard to beat. * George Simmers, Great War Fiction * This is a book worthy of any bookshelf. * Evil Cyclist's Blog * Superb. * Weekly Standard * This is a wonderful resource, with a useful critical introduction and many poems by both canonical and non-canonical writers that are not commonly included. I particularly like the fact that the volume is structured by author rather than thematically or chronologically, as it takes student readers in particular away from a simplistic perception of First World War poetry as evolving from naive patriotism to disillusionment. * Dr Ann-Marie Einhaus, Northumbria University *