The Great War and Modern Memory
The Great War and Modern Memory
Book Brief
432
Book • Nonfiction
Western Front • 1910s
1975
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussell analyzes the cultural and psychological shifts that World War I catalyzed in literature and broader Western thought, highlighting a transition from Romantic idealism to disillusioned realism and irony. Sensitive topics such as extreme suffering and wartime violence are discussed.
Informative
Contemplative
Melancholic
Dark
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
6,321 ratings
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Review Roundup
Paul Fussell's The Great War and Modern Memory brilliantly connects the literature of World War I to collective memory, impressing readers with its deep analysis and eloquent prose. Though lauded for its insightful perspective, some critics find its Anglo-centric focus limiting. Overall, it is a seminal work on war literature.
Who Should Read The Great War and Modern Memory?
A reader who would enjoy The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussell is likely interested in literary analysis, history, and the cultural impact of World War I. They may also appreciate works like Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves or All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque for their exploration of war's profound effects on society.
6,321 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussell was first published in 1975 and received critical acclaim, winning the National Book Award for Arts and Letters.
The book is celebrated for Fussell's exploration of the profound impact World War I had on literature and memory, seen as a seminal work in both history and literary criticism.
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Paul Fussell, who wrote The Great War and Modern Memory, was a World War II veteran, and his experiences are believed to have influenced his analyses and perspectives in this renowned study.
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432
Book • Nonfiction
Western Front • 1910s
1975
Adult
18+ years
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