Publisher Description

War writing is an ancient genre that continues to be of vital importance. Times of crisis push literature to its limits, requiring writers to exploit their expressive resources to the maximum in response to extreme events. This Companion focuses on British and American war writing, from Beowulf and Shakespeare to bloggers on the 'War on Terror'. Thirteen period-based chapters are complemented by five thematic chapters and two chapters charting influences. This uniquely wide range facilitates both local and comparative study. Each chapter is written by an expert in the field and includes suggestions for further reading. A chronology illustrates how key texts relate to major conflicts. The Companion also explores the latest theoretical thinking on war representation to give access to this developing area and to suggest new directions for research. In addition to students of literature, the volume will interest those working in war studies, history, and cultural studies.

Table of Contents

Chronology; Introduction Kate McLoughlin; Part I. Themes: 1. The idea of war Hew Strachan; 2. War and words Kate McLoughlin; 3. People in war Sarah Cole; 4. War zones Adam Piette; 5. War in print journalism Kate McLoughlin; Part II. Influences: 6. The Bible David Jasper; 7. Classical war literature L. V. Pitcher; Part III. Poetics: 8. Medieval warfare Corinne Saunders; 9. Early modern war writing and the British Civil Wars Philip West; 10. The eighteenth century and the Romantics on war Gillian Russell; 11. American Revolutionary War writing Edward Larkin; 12. The Victorians and war John R. Reed; 13. The American Civil War Will Kaufman; 14. The First World War: British writing Trudi Tate; 15. The First World War: American writing Patrick Quinn; 16. The Spanish Civil War Valentine Cunningham; 17. The Second World War: British writing Mark Rawlinson; 18. The Second World War: American writing Walter Hölbling; 19. American writing of the wars in Korea and Vietnam Jeffrey Walsh; 20. The Cold War and the 'War on Terror' David Pascoe; Index.

Review

'… timely and relevant.' Contemporary Review

Promotional

This Companion covers British and American war writing from Beowulf to Don DeLillo.

Review Quote

'… timely and relevant.' Contemporary Review

Promotional "Headline"

This Companion covers British and American war writing from Beowulf to Don DeLillo.

Description for Bookstore

This Companion focuses on British and American war writing, across centuries, forms and themes, to allow both local and comparative approaches. The chronology synthesises the key texts from each historical and contemporary war. Each chapter is written by an expert in the field and includes suggestions for further reading.

Description for Library

This Companion focuses on British and American war writing, across centuries, forms and themes, to allow both local and comparative approaches. The chronology synthesises the key texts from each historical and contemporary war. Each chapter is written by an expert in the field and includes suggestions for further reading.

Details