Between the 1930s and 1980s, folk singer Jock Duncan interviewed around 60 veterans of the First World War, mainly in his native North East of Scotland.

He then spent many years transcribing his interviews in the rich variations of Scots in which they were spoken. The result, published here, is a unique and illuminating collection of first- hand witness testimony to the horror, and humour, of the Great War.

Co-published with the European Ethnological Research Centre

About the Author

Jock Duncan was an entertainer and folk singer of traditional north east of Scotland ballads.

Reviews

' ... The result is a series of stories which enable the reader to imagine hearing the tales being told directly to the author, at first by young men recently returned home, then later, buy those who carried the scars of that conflict for over half a century.' Scottish Archives

' ... The result is as gripping and involving as any oral history you will read. Some of it is almost torturously harrowing, but there are many lighter moments as well.' The Living Tradition

'I have been engrossed in this book for some weeks, finding it fascinating from a historical perspective as well as profoundly moving. ... Because of what it records and how it represents it, I believe this book is of national importance.' James Robertson in Scottish Review of Books

' ... [the vernacular] provides an immediacy that serves to bring the characters to life. ... gives an intimate insight into the minds and attitudes of men who were there.' University of Edinburgh Journal

' ... Overall the reflections are certainly worth reading: they are, as Gary West observes, strikingly free from bitterness or "politically infused questioning" (p.10), and preserve a staunchly positive self-image of the Highland soldier.' Scottish Historical Studies

Book Information
ISBN 9781910682333
Author Jock Duncan
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint NMSE - Publishing Ltd
Publisher NMSE - Publishing Ltd
Weight(grams) 469g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 156mm * 2mm