Devastation, 1914--and onward

the long version

From the dust jacket: Devastation may take many forms; and in wonderful rhythmic lines those forms attendant upon the First World War are explored and interpreted in this volume. With stark realism, Gerald Christian describes the devastation of emotions on the part of the soldier in war; the devastation in morals at home while the men are at the front; and finally, the devastation of actual battle. All are poetically connected into a compelling saga. Mr. Christian's verse is ideally suited in metre, as well as in force of style, to tell this powerful story of war in its many facets. Through the eyes of an individual, Billy Todd, one experiences the new and frightening emotions of a soldier during the time preceding, during and after the actual fighting. In vivid stanzas, Mr. Christian brings to the reader the sound of machine guns or the awful quiet of a lull in battle. His descriptions are so graphic that one is transported to the scene of action, and suffers as Billy Todd suffers, or rejoices as he rejoices. As in war the clash and din will recede to the deepest silence, so this poem will roar to a crescendo and then become still, reflecting the moods of battle. The vibrant rhythm predominant throughout helps to enfold the reader into the time reconstructed and conveyed with sharp clarity. This poem is a brilliant interpretation caught in exciting poetry . . . a striking composition to add to the all too sparse number of World War books of true literary merit.