Back to the Front: An Accidental Historian Walks the Trenches of World War I

by Stephen O'shea

Release Date: May, 1997

Edition: Hardcover

Price:

More Info

An Unique History

Mr. O'Shae has written an excellent recount of his hike along the almost forgotten Western World War I trench lines. The author's informal, almost chatty style results in an extraordinarily easy read. This fascinating travelogue is interwoven with standardized, benchmark histories and a few personal letters, which compliment rather than distract. Mr. O'Shae encompasses all combatants; Germans soldiers, who suffered as horribly from misguided, disorganized and incompetent officers as the French and British, are recalled with dignity and compassion. O'shae reserves his moral judgments only for the War's terrible leaders and royalty. Britain's General Haig receives the brunt of his criticism, perhaps rightfully so. The book encouraged me to vicariously follow the author's travels on the Internet. I found a bounty of pictures and memorials and visited many reconstructed towns and cities. I was disappointed with the author's maps, which could have better graphics and orientation. But this minor criticism hardly diminishes his superb monologue and presentation, and shouldn't distract potential readers from enjoying his very unique book.

Two Journeys

O'Shea's book is a fascinating read I frankly had trouble putting down. Often moving, often hilarious, sometimes downright scary, the author's narrative consistently drew me along with him toward Switzerland. And like other good travel narratives, there is more to his journey than famous sights. Along the way, O'Shea shakes off his boomer's disregard for History--note how he has less and less in common with his Parisian co-workers once he returns to the city--and confronts the origins of his family's deeply-held pacifism in the grave of a long-forgotten kinsman. How events shape us and those around us through time is one of the great lessons History should teach.