Saturday, June 23, 2018

Goodbye to All That by Robert Graves

Goodbye to All That
Robert Graves
1929, updated 1957
Everyman's Library Contemporary Classics Series
4/5 stars

This autobiography tells briefly of Graves' early life, in depth about his experiences in World War I, and then quickly covers the ten years following the War, when he wrote the book.  He writes frankly about the War, sharing the tragedies, stupidities, and horrors of trench warfare.  His prose is engaging, drawing the reader into the events.  While the War episodes are the most absorbing, it was still interesting to read about the before and after years.  It will appeal most to those researching WWI, but the average reader will also find it fascinating as the documentation of the formative years of a famous author.

Note: This edition was updated by Graves in 1957, and according to the Introduction, some changes were made.