The Purpose of Futility: Writing World War I, Australian Style

World War I, or the Great War, wrecked Europe, where millions lost their lives, whole towns disappeared into the mud, and the golden age of civilization collapsed. Meanwhile, at the other end of the world, a new nation was born. Australia leapt from the debris, led by Anzacs silhouetted against the rising sun. One of the most astonishing outcomes of this war has been the proliferation of art and creativity, both inspired by and addressing the war. Viewed as the most literary war ever fought, World War I was the first to involve literate populations on a grand scale. This book surveys Australian Great War narratives, demonstrating their particularly Australian features, which help to explain the unique and disputed position of the Great War in Australian history. [Subject: Literary Criticism, Military History, Australian Studies, Cultural Studies]