War - What for

by George R. Kirkpatrick

Originally published in 1910, this is an anti-war book with superb illustrations, many military facts and figures about armament, weapons, and their effects. Decrying the practice of using young working class men as cannon-fodder while the wealthy who profit from war urge them to their "patriotic duty." An interesting presentation of anti-capitalist attitudes in the early 20th century, it was a socialist agitator's contribution to the peace-war controversy which immediately preceded the outbreak of the European war in July, 1914. About 150,000 copies had been printed when World War I began. Illustrated with photos and cartoons.

356 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Ryan Jentzsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this on my deceased father's bookshelf. My dad decried war and was the publisher of peace -- he never mentioned this book before but always told me that: In today's world the makers and planners of war are almost never on the front lines. Wars are fought almost always for the same reason: Land, Property or Money with which the wealthy can use for reasons of power and control.
This book originally published in 1910 is anti-war. Here is an excerpt that stood out:
`War is the ignoble trick of slitting open the blood vessels of the excited working class to "satisfy" the "honor" and save the pride and business of crowned and uncrowned cowards of the ruling class.`

[Donnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

DId not actually read this version, but a copy of an early original hardcover edition that I found in a military antiques store.

The Goodreads description describes this book nicely. The book gives insight into the thinking that created the push towards the Russian Revolutions and an American Communist Party (which in turn led to the Hollywood Black List.) The arguments against war and militarism are powerful and many of them were supported by the Great War that would erupt in 1914. One just wishes that all those British young men written about by Vera Brittain--working class young men but also the sons of industrialists and capitalists--had read this book before marching off to "glory."

[Jamie L · Rating 2 out of 5]

1913 edition