The Book of the Poppy

by Chris McNab

The Remembrance Poppy is a haunting reminder of the ultimate cost of war. Worn by millions around the world every year, the Poppy compels us to remember war's dead, wounded and bereaved, regardless of nationality or conflict. As we reflect on the centenary of the First World War, this book charts the history of the Remembrance Poppy, from its origins in the battle-tortured landscape of Flanders in 1915 to its enduring relevance in the present day. It sets the Poppy in its context of tragedy and sacrifice, always acknowledging that our war dead are gone, but not forgotten.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War

127 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2014

About the author

Dr Chris McNab has written over a hundred books in a career spanning over two decades. He is a historian with a specialisation in military history.

Reviews

[James Hill]

Beautiful, poignant and important. Sober yet interesting. Really good short book which makes a clear point for a clear reason.

[Dani]

A beautifully written reflection on war and a solemn tribute to those who have fallen. The lack of romanticism - and indeed the direct criticism of romanticised war texts - makes the book that much easier to connect with. War is not a time of love and relationships, but of mass death and fear.

McNab has a way with words and I will be recommending this book to everyone I talk to. I usually don't bother with non-fiction, but I had a feeling this book would be worth the read.

The layout is a little confusing at times, though - pictures and stats interrupt sentences making it difficult to follow.

[Colleen Elizabeth Edwards]

War,No

Very well written book, definitive,precise,and honest
Understanding the poppy and it's history stated in
Easy compassionate way, and should be taught to
Us all, especially future generations. Should be read by all
Recommend

[Jessica]

Many of us wear poppies each year in remembrance but apart from knowing why it’s a poppy not many know the background to our national act of remembrance. This book will fill that gap in your knowledge and remind you of those you followed the same tradition year on year before you.

[Nick Oxley]

Brilliant

[Núbia de Almeida Tuira]

Very interesting book, but the layout was a bit confusing on some pages.

[Tim]

This book gives a brief look into why we should never forget. 

A good book.

[Anne-Marie Hutton]

Very insightful book into the history of the poppy would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes historical books or the study of history

[Stefan]

I was able to glean quite a lot from reading this book. For instance, the origins of the wearing of the poppy and who actually started the movement and tried to turn it into a world-wide movement. It was quite a surprise and not who I would have thought was behind parts of it.

I remember having to memorized In Flanders Fields in grade school yet I was really unaware of all the details of how the poem came to be. The information about the various poems and their composers was also very informative and interesting.

A really good, short read that (although mainly from a UK point on view) is able to get across the meaning behind the wearing of the poppy. The facts alone in this book are staggering.

I purchase and wear a poppy each and every year when they are sold by the Canadian Legion. Typically I have to purchase at least two or three as I always manage to lose them off of my jacket.

[Richard Ingram]

A fascinating insight as to how the Poppy came about.