The Great War Letters of German and Austrian Jews - Hardcover

by Michael A. O'Neill (Author)

Available in English for the first time, we read the heart-warming, moving and intensely personal letters that the young soldiers wrote home from the battlefield during the First World War. The uniquely Jewish viewpoint they express, and the strong traditional elements in their religion, bring the conflict between the inhumane war, and religious belief into sharp contrast. The young men's attempts to adhere to their faith and rituals during the violent horror of trench warfare are touching, and often tinged with self-deprecating humour. The immense pain, the keenly-felt loss of comrades and a yearning for home and loved ones shine through the soldiers' words One great leitmotiv runs through the letters: the hope for equality. The war letters are a unique insight into life, battle and death on the enemy front lines, and the extraordinary Jewish experience in particular.

Author Biography

Michael A. O'Neill is a writer and actor who trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. For many years he wrote scripts for historical documentaries, which he also produced and narrated; these have been shown worldwide on a variety of TV channels such as the Discovery Channel and the History Channel.He has written many best selling books including a biography of Frank Sinatra.