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Now All Roads Lead to France

The Last Years of Edward Thomas

Matthew Hollis author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Faber & Faber

Published:5th Jan '12

Should be back in stock very soon

Now All Roads Lead to France cover

This compelling account explores Edward Thomas's life and his friendship with Robert Frost, culminating in his tragic decision to fight in World War I.

In Now All Roads Lead to France, the narrative unfolds around the poignant friendship between Edward Thomas and Robert Frost during a tumultuous period in history. As Frost seeks refuge in New England, Thomas grapples with his decision to remain and fight in World War I. This choice becomes a central theme, reflecting the roads taken and those not taken, leading to the heart-wrenching culmination of Thomas's life on Easter Monday 1917.

The book delves into the creative landscape of early 20th-century England, where literary giants like W. B. Yeats, Ezra Pound, and Rupert Brooke were redefining poetry. Amidst this vibrant backdrop, Thomas's struggles with his work and personal life are poignantly portrayed. His bond with Frost fosters a creative surge, allowing him to pen some of the most significant verses of the era, transcending the confines of war poetry.

As the narrative progresses, the impact of war looms large, ultimately separating the two friends. Frost's return to safety contrasts sharply with Thomas's commitment to the front lines. Now All Roads Lead to France captures the essence of a friendship that flourished amidst chaos, illuminating the profound emotional landscape of a poet whose legacy continues to resonate in the literary world.

  • Winner of Costa Biography Award 2011

ISBN: 9780571245994

Dimensions: 233mm x 156mm x 17mm

Weight: 215g

416 pages

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