The Great War, now known as World War I, took place from 1914-1918. At the time, it was the largest war the world had seen (Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition). In honor of the poster exhibit that will be on display in the Lower Level of the Library during November and December 2011, we have a select bibliography of fiction and nonfiction resources.
Bausum, Ann. Unraveling freedom: the battle for democracy on the home front during World War I. Looks at how U.S. presidents from Wilson to George W. Bush have suspended or revoked guaranteed freedoms in the country during times of war, and includes first-person stories and illustrations.
Bosco, Peter I. World War I. Discusses the circumstances that led to the United States becoming involved in World War I, profiles key figures, and describes major battles.
Freedman, Russell. The war to end all wars: World War I. Complemented by archival photographs, an accessible introduction to the “Great War” explains its relevance as a conflict that involved many nations and casualties while introducing modern weaponry and military strategies that have shaped all subsequent wars. By the Newbery Award-winning author of Lincoln: A Photobiography.
Frost, Helen. Crossing stones. In their own voices, four teenagers, Muriel, Frank, Emma, and Ollie, tell of their experiences during the first World War, as the boys enlist and are sent overseas, Emma finishes school, and Muriel fights for peace and women’s suffrage.
Hemingway, Ernest. A farewell to arms. An American’s love for an English nurse during the First World War ends in tragedy.
Miller, Sarah Elizabeth. The lost crown. Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia tell how their privileged lives as the daughters of the tsar in early twentieth-century Russia are transformed by the Great War and revolution.
Morpurgo, Michael. Private Peaceful. When Thomas Peaceful’s older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, even though he is only fourteen years old.
Murphy, Jim. Truce: the day the soldiers stopped fighting. Narrative illustrated with archival photos explains how World War I soldiers defied their commanding officers and stopped fighting to declare a miraculous “Christmas truce” and celebrate with their enemies.
Readings on All Quiet on the Western Front. Essays discuss the construction, meaning, themes, and emotional impact of Remarque’s novel as well as the reason war books are popular and the impact of fame on the author.
Remarque, Erich Maria. All quiet on the western front. The horrors of war as told through the eyes of a young German soldier in World War I.
Sedgwick, Marcus. The foreshadowing. Alexandra poses as a nurse to go to France to locate her brother and to try and save him from the fate she has foreseen for him.
Spillebeen, Geert. Kipling’s choice. In 1915, mortally wounded in Loos, France, eighteen year old John Kipling, son of writer Rudyard Kipling, remembers his boyhood and the events leading to what is to be his first and last World War I battle.
