'Exceptional... This is the most searching and original book I have read about the impact of the First World War on the faith and the myths of this country.' -- Rowan Williams 'Don't be fooled. This is not just another book on the tragedy of the First World War. It is an intelligent, personal and provocative study of human identity and the symbols and rituals with which we seek to explore it. Elaine Scarry reminded us that "the main purpose and outcome of war is injuring". With an honest and reflective freshness, Rachel Mann surveys the extent of the injury and how imagination can open up spaces we grow into if we are to survive it.' -- Mark Oakley 'This is an astonishing book - a profound and searching multi-disciplinary examination of the First World War and its cultural history, a meditation on faith and identity. Absolutely timely, moving and insightful, lyrical and elegiac, this is a book I'll return to again and again.' -- Michael Symmons Roberts