Customer Reviews

A Soldier in World War I: The Diary of Elmer W. Sherwood

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As an avid history reader, I immensely enjoyed this book. I read an older edition of it about 30 years ago, but I did not enjoy it then half as much as I did this new edition. The editor's explanations made what was happening more understandable. The one thing that I would like to see in all history books and that most do not have is better and more maps. When trying to follow closely detailed operations, it is hard to do with the limited maps in most books, including this one.

This edition brings out the fact that the person in the frontline does not know what is going on in the overall picture. The editor, Mr. Ferrell, fills us in on when and where Doc's experiences plug into this massive theatre of war. It's apparent that Doc is only aware of what is going on in his immediate area. He is busy with the day to day problems of surviving and fighting and this does not include a detailed knowledge of the overall battles.

My favorite part of the book is the occupation of Germany where I think the author's personality comes out more. He obviously had more time to write and think and had less pressure on him when he wrote this part of the narrative.

I found it a very interesting and compelling book. You can read it quickly because of its shortness, but it is certainly intriguing from the human and historical aspects. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical literature, especially if you like the war aspects of same.