Private Peat

by Harold Peat

1917. Profusely illustrated with photographic reproductions taken at the front. Also with scenes from the photo play of the same name released by Famous Players-Lasky Corporation. Peat, ex-Third Battalion First Canadian Contingent, records his experiences as a private in the great war before he was wounded and became an invalid, homebound with a useless arm.

Genres: World War I, History

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1917

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, harsh, sad and honest. A real look at what it was like as a young greenhorn in the First World War!

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

An above average personal account of someone's experiences during World War 1. A good read.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book that can be best described as 40% memoir and 60% propaganda that was clearly written to boost American home morale upon entry into the Great War. The war is described as noble and a great, albeit somewhat painful pursuit. People die, but they fall gently- much as those shot in 1940s movies.
To give a flavor of the prose:
“ it is terribly hard for women to let their men go. We know that. Our women know it, but they are ashamed should one of their men attempt to hold back. The German lie- mongers whisper:’It is the last time you will see your boy.It is certain death on the Western Front’. It is not so”.......” Do not think of his leaving, think of the pride of his going....Wait till the boys get over to France; wait till they see the ( Huns) outrages on women and on nature, and all the blood of their fighting ancestors will boil with indignation and rage”. etc. etc..
Prose from a bygone era certainly.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely enchanting biography, written during WWI. It was actually written by Private Peat's wife, though Harold gets the credit. Fascinating and several haunting photos. I see some comments about it being propaganda to sway American public opinion - to me that adds to the interest.

[Caer Glas · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a typical wartime hate-the-hun-yea!-king-and-country memoir of the sort produced while the war still raged. A few interesting details here and there, but what use it has is mainly for getting a sense of zeitgeist.