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Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain, 1942: Reproduced from the Original Typescript, War Department, Washington, DC (Instructions for Servicemen)
 
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Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain, 1942: Reproduced from the Original Typescript, War Department, Washington, DC (Instructions for Servicemen) (Hardcover)

by Bodleian Library (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
RRP: £4.95
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Frequently Bought Together

Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain, 1942: Reproduced from the Original Typescript, War Department, Washington, DC (Instructions for Servicemen) + Instructions for British Servicemen in France, 1944 (Instructions for Servicemen) + Instructions for British Servicemen in Germany, 1944 (Instructions for Servicemen)
Price For All Three: £13.97

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Product details

  • Hardcover: 31 pages
  • Publisher: The Bodleian Library; 2nd Revised edition edition (1 Sep 2004)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 1851240853
  • ISBN-13: 978-1851240852
  • Product Dimensions: 14.6 x 10.2 x 1 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 99,639 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Product Description

Review
'a perfect gift book' - Independent Publisher's Catalogue 'this book is full of charm and highlights the poignant contrast between two very different attitudes to life' - Lincolnshire Echo 'On seven pages of foolscap, in under 6,000 typewritten words, the unknown author drew up a guide to wartime Britain, and an Ordnance Survey map of its psyche' - The Daily Telegraph

Product Description
In 1942 the United States War Department distributed a handbook to American Servicemen advising them on the peculiarities of the 'British, their country, and their ways'. The guide was intended to lessen the culture shock for those embarking on their first trip to Great Britain, and for the most part, abroad. The instructions are a wonderful interpretation of the differences between the two allies. By turns hilarious and poignant, many observations remain quaintly relevant today. Refreshingly candid quips leap from the pages - in a most un-British fashion: 'the British don't know how to make a good cup of coffee. You don't know how to make a good cup of tea. It's an even swap' Every page is full of enchantingly nostalgic advice and observations. Reproduced in a style reminiscent of the era, this is a wonderfully evocative war-time memento. The reader, from whatever country, will revel in the amusing and terrifically truthful American perception of the British character and country. Remember: The British are tough.

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain, 1942: Reproduced from the Original Typescript, War Department, Washington, DC (Instructions for Servicemen)
83% buy the item featured on this page:
Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain, 1942: Reproduced from the Original Typescript, War Department, Washington, DC (Instructions for Servicemen) 5.0 out of 5 stars (3)
£4.49
Instructions for British Servicemen in Germany, 1944 (Instructions for Servicemen)
7% buy
Instructions for British Servicemen in Germany, 1944 (Instructions for Servicemen) 5.0 out of 5 stars (1)
£4.74
The Royal Navy Officer's Pocket-book, 1944
4% buy
The Royal Navy Officer's Pocket-book, 1944 5.0 out of 5 stars (3)
£5.59
German Invasion Plans for the British Isles, 1940
3% buy
German Invasion Plans for the British Isles, 1940 2.0 out of 5 stars (3)
£4.99

 

Customer Reviews

3 Reviews
5 star:
 (3)
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Average Customer Review
5.0 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, charming, eye-opening, 31 May 2005
An unassuming enough publication, this small manilla book could easily get passed over while browsing. But take another look!

This book reproduces the guidance and instructions published by the US War Department and given to American servicemen on their way over to live in Britain during the second world war. Split into short sections like "Age before size", "British women at war", "The British like sports", "Indoor amusements", "Don't be a show off", "Waste means lives" and similar, this book provides a candid snapshot of American views of Britain and the British people. It also provides a guide to the differences between American and British language.

I found this book funny, fascinating and touching; a beautiful insight into the Britain of those war years, and into the concern of the American authorities that their servicemen should make the best impression on their hosts.

"It is always impolite to criticize your hosts; it is militarily stupid to criticize your allies."

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific 30 minute read in the pub, 5 Feb 2006
By A Customer
This was great. I picked it up by chance on my way back from doing the shopping. Flicked though a couple of pages in the book shop and had to stop to read it in a pub on the way home. Really fascinating - I learned a lot about war-time Britain in 30 mins. Very short, but a great read. Beautifully written, too. A great gift for your dad. Haven't read the France one yet, but going to order it now.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant insight to period: good for teenagers, 30 Jan 2007
By Joanne K. Pilsworth (Cambridge, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)      
I bought this as a stocking filler for my son when he was 12. He thought it was very amusing, because of the language, but it also prompted discussion over how things were then, and how they have changed. Provides a more lively insight into the effect of war in England, such as beer being weaker than in peacetime, and the price of whiskey going up to $[...] a bottle!

At his request, I have now ordered other books in the series: the American Guide to Australia and the British Serviceman in France, along with the Home Guard Manual.
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