John Graham Bower (1886–1940)

The Story of Our Submarines by John Graham Bower takes us through a historical look at British submarine warfare in World War I. The author, a submariner himself, is fully qualified to share the story and does so in an educational, but human way. We learn about the frailties of life in the submarine service and although much of what is written here concerns the first world war, a lot of the information, especially in relation to the sailors themselves, still applies today.

The student of naval history will find The Story of Our Submarines captivating and informative. I especially enjoyed the way Bower includes an emotional aspect to the men he served with.

www.daniellittle.com… (altro)

Another re-read of one of my childhood favourites! This lovely gem was written by Barbara Euphan Todd (author of Worzel Gummidge and Miss Ranskill Comes Home) and her husband. It's ostensibly the story of four British children seeing England for the first time as they arrive by ship from South Africa. But it's really a faintly disguised history book. The children decide to become 'explorers,' and learn as much about the south of England as they can. Staying with their grandmother in Wickham, they befriend Joe (Commander Parsons) who teaches them all about the Romans, the Saxons, the Vikings, smugglers, etc. It's all done in a thoroughly charming and entertaining way, so the reader never feels he's being given a lesson. It also has the benefit of delightful illustrations by William Grimmond, who provided cover illustrations for many Penguin and Puffin books.

My favourite passage is this:

"What else is there in Bath?" asked Maureen.

"Aunts!" was the rather surprising answer. "Quantities and quantities and quantities of aunts. Nearly everyone I've ever met has an aunt who lives in Bath."

(I just included that in a letter to my Aunt who lives in Bath.)… (altro)