Overview
An exploration of the unique British cultural heritage of 'shell shock', which has held such an important position as part of the popular memory (poetry, fiction, film) of the Great War through the twentieth century
The author uses original and unusual source material: medical records, personal writings in diaries, hospital magazines etc. to give a unique insight into personal experience
Leese's work has been endorsed by Professor Jay Winter of Yale University and Professor Roy Porter of the Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine
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Table of contents (11 chapters)
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Introduction
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Discoveries
Keywords
About this book
Reviews
'One of the crucial and most moving episodes of twentieth century British history has now found its worthy historian. Peter Leese writes the story of shell shock with expertise and flair, with critical detachment and compassion. Avoiding judgementalism, he brings out the full enormity of this tragic story.' - Professor Roy Porter, Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine
'The book fills a glaring gap in our historical knowledge.' - Mark Micale, Associate Professor of History, University of Illinois
'Shell shock was born as a condition in 1915 but has grown to become a metaphor for the horrors of total war. Leese tells the story of that evolution with learning, sympathy and a shrewd sense of the way medical history can illuminate our understanding of the violent twentieth-century as a whole.' - Professor Jay Winter, Department of History, Yale University
'...a powerful and authoritative study of the war's mental legacy.' - Ben Shephard, Times Literary Supplement
'Those willing to pay attention, however, will be rewarded by this first full-length treatment of Britain's 'shell-shock' experience.' - Maureen T. Moore, Journal of Military History
'...an interesting contribution both to medical history and to the continuing debate about...WWI. - T.L. Crosby, Choice
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Shell Shock
Book Subtitle: Traumatic Neurosis and the British Soldiers of the First World War
Authors: Peter Leese
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230287921
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan London
eBook Packages: Palgrave History Collection, History (R0)
Copyright Information: Peter Leese 2002
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-333-96926-7Published: 12 July 2002
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-137-45337-2Published: 12 July 2002
eBook ISBN: 978-0-230-28792-1Published: 12 July 2002
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XI, 229
Topics: History of Britain and Ireland, History of Military, Social History, Cultural History, Modern History