Above The Dreamless Dead: A Haunting Anthology of World War I Poetry

Disclaimer: The following article contains graphic descriptions of war and may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised.

World War I was one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. The soldiers who fought on the front lines experienced unimaginable horrors, and many of them turned to poetry as a way to cope with the trauma they witnessed. Above The Dreamless Dead is an anthology that brings together some of the most haunting and powerful poems written by these soldiers during the war.

Above the Dreamless Dead: World War I in Poetry and Comics

by Makoto Yukimura (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	217387 KB
Print length	:	144 pages

FREE

Edited by Chris Duffy, Above The Dreamless Dead includes poems from both well-known poets such as Wilfred Owen and lesser-known soldier-poets like Alan Seeger. These poems capture the raw emotions of fear, pain, and loss experienced by those who fought in the trenches. They provide a window into the harsh reality of war and offer a glimpse into the souls of these brave soldiers.

The anthology is beautifully illustrated by a group of contemporary comic book artists, resulting in a visual element that further enhances the impact of the poems. The combination of evocative imagery and poignant words creates a truly immersive reading experience, bringing the stories of these soldiers to life in a unique and deeply moving way.

The title of the anthology - Above The Dreamless Dead - is taken from the poem "Anthem for Doomed Youth" by Wilfred Owen, one of the most famous war poets. It reflects the sense of hopelessness and despair that permeates many of the poems in the collection. These soldiers had their dreams and aspirations shattered by the brutality of war, and their words serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of conflict.

Above The Dreamless Dead delves into themes of trauma, loss, and the futility of war. It explores the impact of war not only on the soldiers but also on their families and loved ones. Through the verses of these poets, we gain insight into the emotional toll that was inflicted upon an entire generation.

The use of poetry as a means of expression during the war was a powerful form of therapy for the soldiers. It allowed them to convey their experiences and emotions in a way that prose sometimes struggled to capture. Above The Dreamless Dead provides a platform for their voices to be heard, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten.

The evocative poems featured in the anthology are a testament to the resilience and courage of those who served in World War I. They offer a glimpse into a dark and harrowing chapter of human history, serving as a reminder of the enduring impact of war.

Above The Dreamless Dead is a must-read for anyone interested in World War I history, poetry, or the human condition. It is a haunting and deeply moving collection that pays tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives and offers a glimpse into the profound impact of war on the human psyche.

As we read the poems within Above The Dreamless Dead, we are reminded of the devastating cost of war and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who came before us. We honor their memory by acknowledging their pain and understanding the profound impact war had on their lives.

Through the medium of poetry, Above The Dreamless Dead ensures that the voices of these soldiers continue to resonate, reminding us of the horrors of war and inspiring us to strive for a world free from such suffering.

Above the Dreamless Dead: World War I in Poetry and Comics

by Makoto Yukimura (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	217387 KB
Print length	:	144 pages

FREE

As the Great War dragged on and its catastrophic death toll mounted, a new artistic movement found its feet in the United Kingdom. The Trench Poets, as they came to be called, were soldier-poets dispatching their verse from the front lines. Known for its rejection of war as a romantic or noble enterprise, and its plainspoken condemnation of the senseless bloodshed of war, Trench Poetry soon became one of the most significant literary moments of its decade.

The marriage of poetry and comics is a deeply fruitful combination, as evidenced by this collection. In stark black and white, the words of the Trench Poets find dramatic expression and reinterpretation through the minds and pens of some of the greatest cartoonists working today.
With New York Times bestselling editor Chris Duffy (Nursery Rhyme Comics, Fairy Tale Comics) at the helm, Above the Dreamless Dead is a moving and illuminating tribute to those who fought and died in World War I. Twenty poems are interpreted in comics form by twenty of today's leading cartoonists, including Eddie Campbell, Kevin Huizenga, George Pratt, and many others.