Cover Notes

Dramatic, intimate and unprecedented, Behind the Lines is an exceptional, personal testament to the devastating effects of war.  Based on Andrew Carroll’s zealous 3 year search around the world, it features over 200 war letters from troops across the globe and throughout history. Unparalleled in geographical and historical scope, it offers a never-before-seen glimpse of warfare through the eyes of troops and civilians.  From riveting accounts of the first shots of battle to heartfelt notes of post-war reconciliation, its letters run the gamut of emotions from courage to fear, rage to compassion, hope to desperation to produce one of the most vivid and intense descriptions of war ever recorded.

Beginning with the American Revolution and running through all major conflicts, including World War I and World War II, Vietnam and Yugoslavia, up to the recent battles in Afghanistan and Iraq, Behind the Lines illustrates with unflinching honesty and authenticity the feelings of those who have been most affected by combat.  Featuring for the first time the thoughts and memories of those on both sides of the hostilities documented, it provides an emotive, frank and truly timely reminder of the human cost of warfare.

Among the many extraordinary and newly-discovered letters, Behind the Lines features:

Previously unpublished letters by Kurt Vonegut
Vivid descriptions of guerrilla warfare dating back to the American Revolution
Secret messages form POWs to loved ones whilst in captivity
Final words from soldiers who knew they were dying
Moment-by-moment descriptions of battles such as Verdun, Dien Bien Phu, Stalingrad, Pearl Harbour, Gallipoli and Fallujah
Profound reflections on faith, religion and death
Letters of reconciliation between veterans from countries that were once enemies

Correspondence featured comes from troops and civilians in Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Bosnia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, North Korea, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Sauda Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, UK, USA and Vietnam.

Poignant, touching and totally compelling, Behind the Lines is a unique, eye-opening insight into the harsh realities of warfare and a remarkable tribute to all those who have ever put their lives on the line for their country.

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