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A review by iamjudgedredd
Storm of Steel: (penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) by Ernst Jünger
4.0
Lots to consider here. This WWI Memoir is considered something of a classic within that realm. This edition has some good introductions and discussions about the translation and revisions that have been made over the years. This edition also has a few footnotes which help to explain some parts where the author leaves things out, or through the changes have become less clear.
Firstly, this translator has German as a first language, so the translation itself is probably more faithful to Juenger's intent, however the syntax and grammar are hilariously German still. Lots of very compound sentences that we wouldn't construct in English in that way. I found myself having to reread some sentences because there'd be multiple layers of subordinate clauses and remembering how the end of the sentence fitted with the beginning could be a struggle. It felt a little like reading Thomas Pynchon at times.
All that being said, there's a lot of great first hand action in the book. Indeed, I was staggered at how much of the book is combat related. If that's what you're looking for then this is indeed the book to read.
Even in this more modern, and (apparently) sanitized version, you can feel the nationalism, militarism, pride, and hero worship of the 'old empires' in this. Juenger is a proud military officer, from a class above the common man. It's a stark contrast to something like With the Old Breed from E B Sledge.
Most of that was fine, as I was expecting it, but there were times where it was hard to sympathize, especially as he valued an honourable death over surrender - urging men to fight to the last instead of preserve their lives in mortal circumstances.
All in all, the read was fast, fast paced, and if you bring your wider contextual knowledge to it (economic circumstances of the Central Powers, Blockades, Entente movements and politicking) it's a great book to sit at the tactical level and get an insight into trench warfare.
Firstly, this translator has German as a first language, so the translation itself is probably more faithful to Juenger's intent, however the syntax and grammar are hilariously German still. Lots of very compound sentences that we wouldn't construct in English in that way. I found myself having to reread some sentences because there'd be multiple layers of subordinate clauses and remembering how the end of the sentence fitted with the beginning could be a struggle. It felt a little like reading Thomas Pynchon at times.
All that being said, there's a lot of great first hand action in the book. Indeed, I was staggered at how much of the book is combat related. If that's what you're looking for then this is indeed the book to read.
Even in this more modern, and (apparently) sanitized version, you can feel the nationalism, militarism, pride, and hero worship of the 'old empires' in this. Juenger is a proud military officer, from a class above the common man. It's a stark contrast to something like With the Old Breed from E B Sledge.
Most of that was fine, as I was expecting it, but there were times where it was hard to sympathize, especially as he valued an honourable death over surrender - urging men to fight to the last instead of preserve their lives in mortal circumstances.
All in all, the read was fast, fast paced, and if you bring your wider contextual knowledge to it (economic circumstances of the Central Powers, Blockades, Entente movements and politicking) it's a great book to sit at the tactical level and get an insight into trench warfare.