Poetry of WWI and WWII

A Treasury of War Poetry: British and American Poems of the World War 1914 - 1917

This book contains poetry from numerous countries all centered around the subject of war. Primarily British and American poems dating from 1914 to 1917 have been collected in this edition by the editor George Clarke. The subject matter of these poems encompass patriotism, courage, self-sacrifice, enterprise, and endurance. Authors included are V Lindsay, Galsworthy, Kipling and others.

***

Interesting collection of various country's poetry about WWI. With the poems either siding with patriotism or trauma, the book gives a well-rounded account of the war. It even included poets who fought on the frontlines as well as women who worked as nurses or sent their sons off to fight. There were a few well known poets intermingled with poets who I had never heard of before.

Poets of World War II

Acclaimed poet and World War II veteran Harvey Shapiro's pathbreaking gathering of work by more than sixty poets of the war years includes Randall Jarrell, Anthony Hecht, George Oppen, Richard Eberhart, William Bronk, and Woody Guthrie.

***

This book creates a stark contrast between WWII and WWI poetry. Most of the poets who are included in this anthology were members of the military and that fact alone gives readers an emotional connection. Whereas WWI poetry was more patriotic and focused on bravery and honor, WWII poetry is heavy in the theme of death. The poets are blunt, realistic, and honest in their fears. Reading this poetry was akin to hearing stories from war veterans. It's moving in a way that is also terrifying.

Rating: 3/5 Cups