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The War Poems of Siegfried Sassoon
This large print title is set in Tiresias 16pt font as recommended by the RNIB
Paperback, 72 pages
Published
December 15th 2008
by Book Jungle
(first published January 1st 1983)
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Sassoon is one of those names one remembers because it sounds vaguely funny. When first introduced to him, probably in high school, I recall there being a joke about a bassoon. Still we knew he wasn't a really great poet because...well because he didn't sound like more than a relative to a hairdresser.
Then again his portrayal of war, and that is all we knew of him at the time, was disturbing. He described war in such stark detail that one could feel the rumble, smell the death and decay...more
Then again his portrayal of war, and that is all we knew of him at the time, was disturbing. He described war in such stark detail that one could feel the rumble, smell the death and decay...more
I saved this up specially for Anzac Day, as a the-personal-is-political gesture. I mean no disrespect to those who have fought in wars for the New Zealand government (I hesitate to say 'for New Zealand' here) and to those who lost friends and family to the war, but there's a maudlin sentimentality to the way we approach the two Word Wars in this country that makes my gut churn.
I think this is only going to get worse as we approach the 100th anniversary of the First World War. If I was ...more
I think this is only going to get worse as we approach the 100th anniversary of the First World War. If I was ...more
It struck me how Siegfried Sassoon always uses the right closing sentences.
These make his poems great. They leave you with something to think about.
"and when the war is done and youth stone death
I'd toddle safely home and die- in bed." (Base details)
"I thought, 'How cheery the brave troops would be
if Sergeant-Majors thaught Theosophy!' " (Supreme Sacrifice)
"Yes...and the war won't end for at least two years;
but we've go...more
These make his poems great. They leave you with something to think about.
"and when the war is done and youth stone death
I'd toddle safely home and die- in bed." (Base details)
"I thought, 'How cheery the brave troops would be
if Sergeant-Majors thaught Theosophy!' " (Supreme Sacrifice)
"Yes...and the war won't end for at least two years;
but we've go...more
This letter, "A Soldier's Declaration," explains why Siegfried Sassoon is a great poet of WWI, and it contains all of why I love him. Enjoy.
I am making this statement as an act of willful defiance of military authority, because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it.
I am a soldier, convinced that I am acting on behalf of soldiers. I believe that this war, upon which I entered as a war of defense and liberatio...more
I am making this statement as an act of willful defiance of military authority, because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it.
I am a soldier, convinced that I am acting on behalf of soldiers. I believe that this war, upon which I entered as a war of defense and liberatio...more
I wish someone could write something that would affect people on the Iraq war like this affected people during WWI. Although I don't like Sasson's poetry as much as Wilfred Owen (Owen is less literary and more gut-punching)the focus in these poems comes down hard on the war. They are not difficult to read as much poetry is because they are not trying to do anything but let people know what experiencing the war was really like. Sassoon did write other poetry as well as these war poems.
I wanted to read other war poems as many of the memories I have of my time in Baghdad are coming out in poetic form. I did not appreciate all these, but there were a couple which struck an acord in me. I liked the book, just not all the poetry within it.
Poems covering every angle and aspect of the First World War from the beginning of the war to the aftermath;From the battle front to the Hospital wings where he met and befriended Wilfred Owen. Spellbinding and inspirational reading.
I've never been very interested in reading war novels and have never read any war poetry. I've had this book as part of a collection I bought five or so years ago but hadn't picked it up. I sat in the corner booth of the bar in my neighborhood and read the poems for an hour and a half. Sassoon's poetry depicts his evolution from an idealistic young army recruit in WWI to a disillusioned veteran. In an early poem he writes, "War is our scourge; yet war has made us wise/And, fighting for ...more
read WW1 poetry at high school and the horrors of war were so vividly imprinted upon me.
I haven't actually read this book, but I am a huge fan of Sassoon's war poetry.
A very under appreciated poet! Excellent writing, great imagery!
Great poems about the great war.
Amongst the best that there is
This book kind of breaks my heart.
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The human condition.
After reading "Regeneration" I thought I'd read from one of the original sources. Plus, I've always wanted to read S. Sassoon's war poems.
Sassoon's evolution from wide eyed patriot to a battle hardened, weary soldier speaking truth to power about the horrors of World War I helped pave the way for future generations to write honestly and openly about warfare, defying the barrage of propaganda that hailed the glory of war while ignoring its dark reality.
Sassoon's poetry sometimes falls flat, but when it succeeds it's startling, wounding, and shines. Moreover, I can only admire his dedication to the commemoration and mourning of men and war -- his rage, defiance and at times acceptance of the brutal machines of history.
The poems in this collection are wonderful, thought provoking poem from the man that was a hero in his own right - these poems are hard hitting and powerful and always touches your raw emotions with their skill and deliverance, and all are heart felt.
Fascinating insight into the way in which a sensitive mind tries to grasp the horror of the First World War, when murder became law...
I was amazed at how good these poems were. Very evocative. I will never tell anyone again I work in the trenches of anything.
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Siegfried Loraine Sassoon was born into a wealthy banking family, the middle of 3 brothers. His Anglican mother and Jewish father separated when he was five. He had little subsequent contact with ‘pappy’, who died of TB 4 years later. He presented his mother with his first ‘volume’ at 11. Sassoon spent his youth hunting, cricketing, reading and writing. He was home-schooled until the age of 14 bec...more
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“Why do you lie with your legs ungainly huddled,
And one arm bent across your sullen cold
Exhausted face? It hurts my heart to watch you,
Deep-shadow'd from the candle's guttering gold;
And you wonder why I shake you by the shoulder;
Drowsy, you mumble and sigh and turn your head....
You are too young to fall asleep for ever;
And when you sleep you remind me of the dead.”
—
6 people liked it
And one arm bent across your sullen cold
Exhausted face? It hurts my heart to watch you,
Deep-shadow'd from the candle's guttering gold;
And you wonder why I shake you by the shoulder;
Drowsy, you mumble and sigh and turn your head....
You are too young to fall asleep for ever;
And when you sleep you remind me of the dead.”
“Before the Battle:
Music of whispering trees
Hushed by the broad-winged breeze
Where shaken water gleams;
And evening radiance falling
With reedy bird-notes calling.
O bear me safe through dark, you low-voiced streams.
I have no need to pray
That fear may pass away;
I scorn the growl and rumble of the fight
That summons me from cool
Silence of marsh and pool,
And yellow lilies islanded in light.
O river of stars and shadows, lead me through the night.”
—
3 people liked it
More quotes…
Music of whispering trees
Hushed by the broad-winged breeze
Where shaken water gleams;
And evening radiance falling
With reedy bird-notes calling.
O bear me safe through dark, you low-voiced streams.
I have no need to pray
That fear may pass away;
I scorn the growl and rumble of the fight
That summons me from cool
Silence of marsh and pool,
And yellow lilies islanded in light.
O river of stars and shadows, lead me through the night.”
