Product Description
First published privately in 1929 as The Middle Parts of Fortune, Her Privates We is the novel of the Battle of the Somme told from the perspective of an ordinary private. This edition now restores all the 'prunings and excisions' that were made to the first edition because the bluntness of language was thought to make the book unfit for public distribution. An undisputed classic of war writing and a lasting tribute to all who participated in the war, Her Privates We was originally published as written by 'Private 19022'. Championed by amongst others Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, TS Eliot and TE Lawrence, it has become recognised as a classic in the seventy years since its first publication. Now republished, with an introduction by William Boyd, it will again amaze a new generation of readers.
From the Publisher
The class novel of the first world warFirst published in 1929, Her Privates We is an extraordianry novel of World War 1. When it first came out, the novel was censored and its language which was considered too crude was cleaned up and the swear words removed - the privates could die but not swear! This edition marks the first time the book has been published in its original version. The informative introduction by William Boyd narrates the history of the book and its author - an Australian who fought as a private in the War. The book is a powerful indictment of the callous attitudes of the officer class - it is as essential reading today as when it was first published. Ernest Hemingway wrote of Her Privates We 'the finest and noblest book of men in war'.
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