The Illustrated London News Social History of the First World War (1982) By James Bishop
 
Profusely illustrated with b&w reproductions of photographs, drawings, advertisements. "The First World War, which claimed the lives of so many men on the battlefields of the Western Front, also profoundly affected the character and everyday life of the nation at home. It was the first 'total war' and the whole country contributed to the war effort. The unrelenting demands of the trenches eventually forced the Government to introduce conscription while, for those left behind, the state intervened more and more in the lives of its citizens. Hardships increased: food and fuel were in very short supply and rationing had to be imposed in 1916. The civilian population was also directly involved in the hostilities with the bombing raids of zeppelins and aeroplanes. But the war did bring some changes for the better. The salaried classes grew, working conditions improved and the war also helped liberate women who replaced men in factories and public services, and joined the armed forces. When the armistice finally came, in November 1918, Lloyd George promised 'a fit country for heroes to live in' - though the reality proved to be less Utopian. The Illustrated London News continued to publish throughout the First World War and was supplemented by The Illustrated War News. These magazines provided a vivid pictorial chronicle of contemporary events and enable us, today, to enter into the spirit of a bygone era. (The author) has written a fascinating and fully-documented account of these momentous years, complemented by over 200 pictures from the original issues.
 
Hard Cover with Dust Jacket
144 pages
In Good Condition