Few books have ever been produced under such harsh conditions as The Anzac Book. Created by soldiers under enemy fire and in extreme hardship, the illustrations, stories, cartoons and poems were intended as a Christmas and New Year diversion for soldiers facing a harsh winter in the trenches. The Anzac Book became the finest 'trench publication' produced by soldiers during the Great War and was an instant bestseller when first released in 1916. This new edition includes a reproduction of the original book, a foreword by acclaimed author Les Carlyon, an introduction from Australian War Memorial historian Ashley Ekins and material originally rejected by the editor, official war correspondent Charles Bean, but preserved in the collections of the Memorial.

Table of Contents

Preface to the third edition by Steve Gower AO AO (Mil); Foreword to the third edition by Les Carlyon; Introduction to the third edition by Ashley Ekins; Facsimile of the 1916 (first) edition of The Anzac Book edited by CEW Bean.

About the Author

Australia's official war correspondent, Charles Bean, reported on the First World War from Gallipoli and the Western Front. He later wrote the epic official history of Australia's involvement in the war and founded the Australian War Memorial. Tall and thin, with a mop of red hair, Bean was at first given the comic nickname 'Captain Carrot' by Australian soldiers, but they grew to admire his dedication. On Gallipoli, he shared the soldiers' hardships and dangers throughout the campaign, and performed acts of bravery under fire for which he was recommended for decorations. He was also wounded and carried a Turkish bullet in his leg for the remainder of his long life. The experience of Gallipoli changed him - as he believed it changed his countrymen. On Gallipoli, he wrote, a 'consciousness of Australian nationhood was born'.