Not our war

Writings against the First World War

A W Zurbrugg (ed), Merlin Press, 262 pages, paperback, £12.95

This is a fascinating collection of writings and speeches that is the perfect antidote to those who want to downplay the very real anti-war feelings that existed during World War One.

The book is also an excellent resource for those studying the anti-war movements or the developing revolts, revolutions and rebellions against the slaughter. It is full of extracts of speeches and writings. Some of them, such as the Junius pamphlet from Rosa Luxemburg are familiar.

Others, like the words of Scottish socialist John McLean or various European pacifists, less so. There are even some writings that have been translated into English for the first time.

You get a real sense of what those in charge were thinking, exposing their fears, their racism and their worries that the working class would become radicalised by the war.

“If the Indians are used against the Germans it means they will return to India disabused of the respect they should bear for the white race. The Empire must uphold the principle that a coloured man must not raise his hand against a white man … it will mean the natives will secure pictures of whites being chased by coloured men and who knows what harm such pictures might do?” — Extract from a South African newspaper

Reviews contributed by the Bookmarks socialist bookshop. Order online at www.bookmarksbookshop.co.uk