GOODBYE TO ALL THAT by ROBERT GRAVES

It is remarkable to think the events described in this memoir are almost a century old.And to think British soldiers are serving in a futile political motivated war as we speak.

The Book describes the futility of the ordinary people who were put in the line of fire by an upper class impervious to the consequences of the horrors that took place.Graves himself came from the lower echelons from that upper class , though his Family , like the Royal Family , came from German Stock.Posing an irony to Graves service in a potentially tricky environment.

The upper class background of Graves is pointed out when he was based on the Southern Coast of England during leave partaking of Champagne lunches in exclusive clubs.A disconcerting phrase employed before major engagements is "the big show".

The video below gives an excellent review of the Book:




The Book also covers Graves relationships with other poets during the war.Giving an account of the daring courageous bravery of Siegfried Sassoon in capturing , then holding a German position single-handedly.And also telling anecdotes of Wilfred Owen.Sassoon was to fall out and sever relations with Graves over telling matters he regarded as private without permission for what was regarded as commercial considerations over the trust of Friendship.

Another aspect of the Book is Graves visit to Thomas Hardy just prior to Hardys passing in which he confesses he would rather be remembered as a Poet than a Novelist.