Total Germany

Publisher: The Pentland Press, 1999 £ 8.50

Some resolve is needed to break into the narrative of this little book. This is because both the preface and the over-long prologue - really an elaborate glossary - do not suggest easy reading to follow and would be better as appendices. The author describes four years of service as a wireless telegraphist on the cruiser HMS Manchester from August 1938 to July 1942 when he was lucky to leave the ship only three weeks before her sinking off Tunisia.

Such memories, especially from wartime days, ust be recorded before they are lost for ever and the writer should be congratulated for seeing the project to completion. His style is quite solemn, however, and needs more personal feeling, description and light dialogue. The work is clearly printed in paperback with some in-text illustration, but includes many footnotes that only add to the cold and academic feel. - EC

Page prepared 14 June 1999