Keith Douglas (1) (1920–1944)

Perhaps a poet who happened to be in a war rather than a war poet. "Vergissmeinnicht" has been pounced upon by publishers looking for an example of writing from World War Two where personal observation meets the ethereal. His motifs are mankind amid the elements, colours and animals. His tradition is routed in Blake and the Victorian poets, yet he is Modernist and introspective in tone. His rhyming couplets, when employed, being particularly masterful, so a fine example of the craft.

Keith show more Douglas was killed three days into the Normandy invasion, aged twenty-four. show less

A remarkably human look at the N African front during Alamein. The author was an exceptional poet, so no surprise that it is well written. Very blunt and straight forward treatment of all facets of armored life. Sadly, the author was killed during Overlord.