Category Archives: Uncategorized

Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet On The Western Front (1929)was the greatest anti-war book to emerge from the trenches of the first world war. Hassel’s book is in the same class.* It’s compelling style is deeply suggestive of fictionalised autobiography, … Continue reading →

I am speaking to you from the Cabinet Room at 10, Downing Street. This morning the British Ambassador in Berlin handed the German Government a final Note stating that unless we heard from them by 11 0’clock that they were … Continue reading →

Deputies, Men of the German Reichstag! A year of events of historical significance is drawing to an end. A year of the greatest decisions lies ahead. In these serious times, I speak to you, Deputies of the German Reichstag, as to … Continue reading →

In a pile of old papers Just tossed aside Not even considered Bereft now, of any pride. Bought, after the war Cut price at threepence Words to one-hundred songs Lost to its world of credence. Some remembered song of yesterday … Continue reading →

Hank says, “I hear you Irish are damn good drinkers. I’ll give 500 dollars to anybody who drinks 10 pints of Guinness straight off.” The room went silent as one man quietly left. Thirty minutes late Paddy returned. He tapped … Continue reading →

At seventy-five, the call is palpable No bell, chant it’s not even a whisper But it’s there, nagging, insistent A feeling that events, are going to happen. When it started, is a mystery Certainly not in my childhood Not that … Continue reading →

Strictly speaking book reviews shouldn’t be written by fans. After all a ‘Fan Review’ lacks the nicely balanced analysis, which the reader of a book review deserves and expects. No football fan for example wants the ‘best’ team to win. … Continue reading →