Literature and the First World War

Course Summary

We explore the various roles that written and spoken words played during the turbulent times of the Great War, drawing on examples from a diverse range of private and public forums. Although a particular focus is placed on poetry, we also consider private letters, personal accounts, published books, newspapers, trench journalism, propaganda, posters and even popular songs of the day.

Your guide is Dr Richard Stone, who has has long been intrigued by history and fascinated by human creativity. An extended period of tertiary study produced a Degree in Art History and Music along with Diplomas in Art and Design and in Education, followed by a satisfying 30-year career as a teacher and lecturer in independent schools. Throughout his teaching career, Richard also practised as a painter and photographer and satisfied an urge to travel by developing a program of European study tours. Since the mid-90s, Richard has accompanied more than 20 groups of secondary students and adults to various destinations in search of cultural enlightenment. Richard has been teaching at the CAE since 2016, sharing his enthusiasm for history, literature and the arts through a range of talks.