Subject
World War, 1914-1918 -- Miscellanea Books
Best books
Frederick Franklin Schrader
"1683-1920" The Fourteen Points and What Became of Them—Foreign Propaganda in the Public Schools—Rewriting the History of the United States—The Espionage Act and How It Worked—"Illegal and Indefensible Blockade" of the Central Powers—1,000,000 Victims of Starvation—Our Debt to France and to Germany—The War Vote in Congress—Truth About the Belgian Atrocities—Our Treaty with Germany and How Observed—The Alien Property Custodianship—Secret Will of Cecil Rhodes—Racial Strains in American Life—Germantown Settlement of 1683 and a Thousand Other Topics
"1683-1920" by Frederick Franklin Schrader is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores a range of political and historical topics, particularly in relation to American society and its institutions, during the period surrounding World War I. Its focus appears to be on the impact of propaganda and the implications of American attitudes toward foreign relations, especially concerning German Americans during a time of significant national tension. The opening of the book provides context for its critical exploration of themes related to wartime propaganda and the narratives surrounding German influences in the United States. Schrader sets out to refute the prevailing anti-German sentiment by countering historical misconceptions and highlighting the contributions of people of German descent to American society. He aims to educate American readers on the true nature of their historical and political landscape, addressing topics such as public education, the treatment of German Americans, and the rewriting of history influenced by wartime politics.
Marie Connor Leighton
Boy of My Heart
"Boy of My Heart" by Marie Connor Leighton is a non-fiction account written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers on the life of a young boy, Roland—affectionately nicknamed "Little Yeogh Wough"—who is coming home from the frontlines of war, reflecting on his mother’s love, his growth, and the trials of war. The text intricately portrays the longing and anxieties of a mother waiting for her son, emphasizing themes of courage, sacrifice, and maternal devotion. The opening of the work introduces us to a poignant scene where a mother waits anxiously for her son to return home from military service during World War I. Her reflections reveal both pride and fear as she recounts memories of Roland's childhood and his development into a man faced with the harsh realities of war. The mother's emotional turmoil punctuated by her anticipation is palpable as she considers the complexities of his character and their bond, while also touching on the threatening nature of war and its cost on young lives. The narrative sets the tone for a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the impact of conflict on personal relationships.
Andrew Cassels Brown
The book of Artemas concerning men, and the things that men did do, at the time when there was war
"The Book of Artemas" by Andrew Cassels Brown is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The text presents a chronicle of events and characters from the land of Eur during a time of great unrest and war. Central to the narrative is Willi, the crafty ruler of Hu, and his son Mud, whose ambition propels them into conflict that shapes the fate of their land. The opening of the book introduces us to Artemas, a scribe chronicling the state of the land of Eur. At the beginning, peace reigns, but Willi is consumed by envy and ambition, leading him to seek out the wise man Bern for advice. The narrative explores the corrupt and ambitious nature of Willi and Mud as they devise a plan for war, while also hinting at the rising tensions and the eventual turmoil in the land. Themes of ambition, power, and the human condition in the face of conflict are established early on, setting the stage for the unfolding drama of a society on the brink of war.
Andrew Cassels Brown
Artemas—the second book concerning men, and the things that men did do, at the time when there was war
"Artemas" by Andrew Cassels Brown is a fictional narrative written in the early 20th century. The story is set against a backdrop of war and delves into the lives and intrigues of various characters in a city called Lon, reflecting societal conflicts and personal dilemmas. The central figure, Artemas, serves as a scribe who embarks on a journey, witnessing and recording the events and conversations around him, thereby offering readers a lens into the complexity of human nature during tumultuous times. The opening of "Artemas" introduces us to the eponymous narrator, Artemas, as he travels to Lon. He finds himself amidst conversations about the ongoing war, where he learns about the political and social dynamics of his society. Through his observations, we are introduced to a variety of characters, including rulers, soldiers, and common folk, each struggling with their own challenges in a world defined by conflict and deception. The narrative's archaic language and rhythm evoke a distinctly historical ambiance, inviting readers to explore themes of power, truth, and the human experience under the weight of adversity.
James Howard Calisch
The Mania of the Nations on the Planet Mars and its Terrific Consequences A Combination of Fun and Wisdom
"The Mania of the Nations on the Planet Mars and its Terrific Consequences" by A. Calmedenker is a satirical science fiction publication written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of interplanetary communication and exploration, the book explores themes of nationalism and the absurdity of conflict among intelligent beings. The narrative ingeniously mirrors early 20th-century Earth conflicts while presenting them through the lens of Martian civilization, highlighting the similarities in human behavior. The story follows Professor Fansee, an ambitious scientist devoted to making contact with the Martians. After extensive efforts, he finally manages to communicate with a Martian philosopher who reveals the dire state of affairs on Mars. This philosopher describes a society plagued by nationality-mania, causing division and irreversible devastation among its nations. The Martians, much like humans, grapple with conflicting ideologies stemming from their religions and philosophies. The narrative warns against the destructive tendencies of nationalism, urging for unity and understanding, while showcasing the futility of militaristic endeavors. Ultimately, it draws a stark parallel to Earth's own struggles, leaving readers to reflect on the consequences of similar mentalities among humans.
David Patterson (Spirit) Hatch
Last letters from the living dead man
"Last letters from the living dead man" by David Patterson Hatch is a collection of spiritualist letters and metaphysical essays written in the early 20th century. Framed as messages dictated through Elsa Barker’s automatic writing, it offers posthumous guidance on America’s moral destiny during and after the Great War, blending occult insight with practical civic counsel. The focus is on courage, unity, ethical reform, and the shaping influence of unseen worlds on national life. The opening of this work begins with Barker’s candid introduction: she recounts how the letters were “written down” during 1917–1918, her earlier volumes, her reluctance to continue automatic writing, and her turn to analytical psychology (especially Jung) while affirming a deep, experiential belief in immortality and the practical value of prayer and mysticism. The first letters from “X” invoke the “Genius of America,” urging fearlessness, service, and national unity amid wartime upheaval, and foretelling great change akin to winter giving way to spring. He warns that America suffers from an “indigestion of gold,” presses for rebuilding Europe, shipbuilding, fair lending, government stewardship of key utilities and food, and steady work to prevent panic and hysteria, while cautioning about a coming surge in psychic sensitivity and the need for restraint. Further letters advise honest dealing at home, level heads in turbulent politics, simple methods to calm fear, and describe “invisible armies” aiding from beyond; they also stress America’s role in spiritual culture, discuss reincarnated Native souls within the population, and narrate a forest encounter with an indigenous chieftain that reframes vengeance into future brotherhood—before returning to the central theme that a nation’s ideals, like individuals’, determine its fate.
David Patterson (Spirit) Hatch
War letters from the living dead man
"War letters from the living dead man" by David Patterson Hatch is a collection of spiritualist letters written in the early 20th century. It presents purported communications from a deceased American judge, “X,” channeled through Elsa Barker, who reports from the afterlife on the unseen forces shaping the Great War. Blending battlefield vignettes with esoteric teaching, it explores karma, elemental beings, the struggle of love versus hate, and a call to universal brotherhood under the guidance of a Teacher and an angelic “Beautiful Being.” The opening of the work sets the stage through Barker’s introduction, detailing her automatic writing method, her cautious skepticism, and incidents she takes as evidence, then moves into the first letters in which “X” returns from a starry sojourn to confront demonic forces driving the war and assures that the powers of good will ultimately prevail. Early letters depict astral battles, monstrous elementals, the Archduke’s troubled after-death state, a sharp critique of Prussianized Germany coupled with a plea to love one’s enemies, and Belgium’s suffering framed through karmic “spectres of the Congo.” Further chapters offer scenes of unseen guardians protecting a Belgian home, consolation for the bereaved via a reincarnation-as-day metaphor, an angelic discourse on love and hate, and teachings on Humanity as one body, the inner “foeman,” and the danger of over-climaxing any rhythm. The narrative includes reading soldiers’ thoughts in Brussels, a prophecy of a coming Sixth Race centered in America, praise of France’s civility and restraint (with Abraham Lincoln watching over the U.S.), and closes this opening stretch with a glimpse of Masters debating how to soften the war’s end and a warning about will-driven “magic” that forces outcomes against the larger law.
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