Halo 3 (Xbox 360)
Kingston Technology 2GB SD Secure Digital Card
Braun Oral-B EB17-8 Refill Pack
|
|
|
|
The Last Fighting Tommy: The Life of Harry Patch, the Only Surviving Veteran of the Trenches | 
 enlarge | Authors: Harry Patch, Richard Van Emden
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Category: Book
List Price: £7.99
Buy New: £1.26
You Save: £6.73 (84%)
New (31) Used (9) from £1.26
Rating:  21 reviews
Sales Rank: 444
Media: Paperback
Pages: 256
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.8
ISBN: 0747593361
EAN: 9780747593362
ASIN: 0747593361
Publication Date: June 2, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
| |
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 10 more reviews...
 A truly remarkable biography. September 22, 2007
G. Sam Pouch (Ireland.)
35 out of 35 found this review helpful
I have read most of Richard Van Emden's books on the great war but this is surely my favourite. If you are expecting a book solely about the horrors of trench warfare you will be disappointed, what you get instead is one mans perspective of life over the last century and it is truly a wonderful read. Harry Patch is by standards "an ordinary man" but he is remarkably honest in this book, even recalling what must be truly awful to have to remember. I read this book in two sittings and was very moved by the narrative. I suppose because of the fact that when Harry Patch is gone the last link to the trenches dies as well and then it is truly history. As a biography and a perspective on twentieth century history from a man at our own level this is a must read.
A Passion For Life September 19, 2007
Hobo (England)
30 out of 30 found this review helpful
An amazing story about an amazing man. This is the life story of Harry Patch from his childhood in rural Somerset, his work, his enlistment in the army and the horror of the Western front.The book covers his life during the Second world War,his Post war years,seeing the loss of family and friends during his long life.Harry lost his faith, which is not suprising, but gained in other ways. I particularly liked the final chapter and the moving tribute paid by family and friends.A great read and a great tribute,not only to Harry but to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
A classic, August 29, 2007
R. Reed (london)
72 out of 74 found this review helpful
The Last Fighting Tommy is a wonderful book about a remarkable man, Harry Patch.
Harry Patch is the last remaining British soldier to survive the Western front. He is now 109 years old and 90 years ago he was sent with his best mates to fight in the mud and blood of Passchendale.
How Harry has made it to 109 is incredible, but when you read that he had an 2 inch lump of white hot shrapnel blasted into his guts, while his mates were blown up, we know are reading something very special. But this is much more than another book on WW1 trench life, this is Harry's story. There are no hero's or cowards, there is no patriotism and little bitterness. This is one mans story of how he did his duty and how awful it was.
The heartbreaking passages about his doomed Lewis gun crew, and how they found deep friendship and comradeship is beautifully told.
We also hear of his early days in rural somerset, his long and distinguished years as a master plumber/engineer, and his family life with its ups and some very big downs.
Richard Van Emden has worked with Harry over to produce a very moving and almost poetic account of the hell of 1917. It also feels right that the last word from those who took part in this war should go to the humble tommy,who in most cases were treated as nothing more than cannon fodder. This book deserves to become a classic and easily sits alongside the accounts of Graves and Sasson.
Exactly what I wished - and then some... October 2, 2007
G. D. S. Roberts (Northampton, UK)
19 out of 19 found this review helpful
I had seen Harry interviewed on TV, as the world suddenly became aware that the old WW1 soldiers were fading away. He stood out from the rest as being sharp, witty and engaging. I felt I could listen to him all day.
As soon as I heard this book had been printed, I rushed to get a copy and can say I was not disappointed. In fact, it is more than I expected. You expect the focus to concentrate on the Great War. that's what Harry is famous for now, after all.
What we get instead is an enlightening snapshot of Harry's life. The same sharpness and witty style that I remember from the interview, with historical notes from Richard van Emden. Not only that, the anecdotes open up with such lovely detail the little everyday things of the various time periods, that people always take for granted. From early 1900s youth to 1920s and beyond.
My family lost 3 members at Paschendaele, my Taid (grandad) was also a machine gunner there. This helps me get closer to people I never knew. To understand more what their lives were like. It makes it more important I travel to honour their graves. For that alone, I can only thank Harry.
In a world where 'celebrity' nonentities and overpampered, overpaid so-called icons write their life stories after a single 'event' or having scored a goal for England at 17, this is a refreshing change. I read it feeling priveliged to have been shown a part of Harry Patch's life and leave it feeling nothing but warmth for the man.
The best literary purchase I have made for many years. Not bad for 109!
|
|
|
| |
