Generals Die in Bed - 100th Edition by Charles Yale Harrison (Paperback)

About the Book

As the world marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, the bestselling novel Generals Die in Bed becomes more relevant than ever. Originally published in 1930, the landmark novel was one of the first to shatter the world's illusion that war is a glorious endeavor. Instead, this chilling first-hand account brought readers face to face with the brutal, ugly realities of life in the trenches. Often compared to All Quiet on the Western Front and A Farewell to Arms, Generals Die in Bed was described by The New York Times as "a burning, breathing, historic document." With veterans of WWI no longer here to tell their tales, this book stands as a lasting monument to the horror of war.

Book Synopsis

As the world marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, the bestselling novel Generals Die in Bed becomes more relevant than ever. Originally published in 1930, the landmark novel was one of the first to shatter the world's illusion that war is a glorious endeavor. Instead, this chilling first-hand account brought readers face to face with the brutal, ugly realities of life in the trenches. Often compared to All Quiet on the Western Front and A Farewell to Arms, Generals Die in Bed was described by The New York Times as "a burning, breathing, historic document." With veterans of WWI no longer here to tell their tales, this book stands as a lasting monument to the horror of war.

Review Quotes

[Review of previous edition: ] A classic... an almost clinical account of war's brutalizing effects.--Brian Bethune"Macleans" (11/08/2004)

[Review of previous edition: ] Harrison's damning indictment of a war in which generals die in bed while soldiers die in a lousy trench resonates with the impact of his experiences.... From Montreal with recruits celebrating their departure and crowds waving flags and cheering, the scene shifts abruptly to the unspeakable horrors of the trenches. None of his training has prepared the teenage protagonist and narrator (never given a name) for the actuality of the trenches... In stark and powerful prose, the narrator chronicles his experiences, admitting he can find nothing to appease his terror.... Although the narrative is often abrupt and stark, the rhythm of language effectively communicates the ugliness and harsh reality that is the lot of soldiers on the front lines.... Generals Die in Bed is no gentle treatise on war; it stands as a reminder of the insanity of using warfare to solve political problems, of sacrificing human beings for ideological purposes. Highly Recommended.--Darleen Golk"Canadian Materials" (11/15/2002)

[Review of previous edition: ] The author, an American working in Canada, served with the Royal Montreal Regiment during the war. His fictionalized account of experiences in the vermin-filled trenches of Europe does not glorify the experience. First published in 1930, the book leaves no doubt that combat was brutal, conditions severe, and recruits not likely to die in the comfort of a bed. This new edition includes an introduction that places the book in context, plus a map of the front and archival photographs.... The writing is a terse staccato, echoing gunfire and pounding hearts, and reinforcing tension.... Period photographs add to the book's gritty, poignant reality. This powerful literary work deserves an audience beyond young adults.--Linda Salisbury"ForeWord" (05/01/2002)

About the Author

Charles Yale Harrison was a machine-gunner in the First World War. After being wounded, he was a writer in Montreal and later New York, where he died in 1954.

Wade Davis is a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, and the author of 15 books including Into the "Silence: The Great War," "Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest."