
MEN AT ARMS is the first volume of Evelyn Waugh's masterful WW II trilogy about war, religion and politics. It is followed by OFFICERS AND GENTLEMEN and THE END OF THE BATTLE. Meet Guy Crouchback, a 35-year-old divorced Catholic. Though the armed services really don't want him, he manfully succeeds in joining the Royal Corps of Halberdiers. There he meets Apthorpe, an eccentric African who is devoted to his "thunderbox" (aka chemical closet). Together they make quite a team. "A highly entertaining novel. Waugh's sharp wit and sure satirical touch are always at work." (The Atlantic)
Guy Crouchback, a disillusioned man seeking purpose, attempts to enlist in the British Army at the onset of World War II to find a cause worth fighting for. Crouchback, a 35-year-old Catholic, navigates the bureaucratic indifference and absurdity of the military establishment as he secures a commission in the Royal Corps of Halberdiers. His objective is to participate in a meaningful crusade, yet he is constantly thwarted by the incompetence of his superiors and the eccentricities of his peers. The narrative is presented through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the disconnect between the romantic ideals of war and the mundane reality of military life.
Readers and critics frequently note the sharp, biting wit that defines the prose throughout the narrative. Discussion often centers on the effective balance between the protagonist's internal moral struggle and the external absurdity of his military environment. Many highlight the character of Apthorpe as a primary source of both comedic relief and thematic depth regarding colonial attitudes. The atmosphere is described as meticulously crafted, capturing the specific social anxieties of the era with precision. Overall, the work is recognized for its ability to maintain a satirical edge while addressing serious questions about duty and belief.
Page Count:
256
Publication Date:
1964-01-07
ISBN-10:
014002123X
ISBN-13:
9780140021233
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