Soldiers Don’t Go Mad by Charles Glass is a compelling and poignant historical account of the friendship between two renowned World War I poets, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen. This non-fiction narrative delves into the emotional and psychological toll of the Great War, focusing on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through the lens of the two poets’ experiences. Set against the backdrop of the Craiglockhart War Hospital, where both Owen and Sassoon were treated for shell shock, Glass explores how their deep bond helped shape their works and personal struggles. Drawing on rich historical sources, Soldiers Don’t Go Mad weaves together the evolution of modern psychiatry, the literary response to warfare, and the impact of war on the human psyche.
In addition to tracing the experiences of these soldiers and their literary legacy, the book also discusses the larger implications of PTSD and its lasting influence. Through an engaging narrative, Glass offers a unique perspective on how war poets contributed to understanding mental health and the cultural shift in how societies view the psychological effects of warfare. Soldiers Don’t Go Mad is an essential read for those interested in war history, literature, and the intersection of creativity and trauma.
