This book investigates the complex relationship between the memory of the Middle Ages and the experience of the First World War. It examines how the Great War's participants and observers drew upon medieval imagery, narratives, and social structures to understand, represent, and cope with the unprecedented scale of conflict and destruction. The work explores how medieval concepts of chivalry, warfare, and social order were invoked, distorted, and reinterpreted in the context of modern industrial warfare, revealing a profound engagement with the past in the face of a seemingly unprecedented present.

The book is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, bridging medieval studies and modern history. Scholars have noted its detailed exploration of how historical memory, particularly of the Middle Ages, influenced perceptions and representations of the First World War. The work is considered a significant contribution to understanding the cultural and psychological dimensions of modern warfare, highlighting the persistent influence of the past on contemporary events.