In one accordion folded page, this graphic novel provides a panoramic view, the black and white drawings vividly expressive as it progresses from the assembly of men, weapons, and supplies to the first shots before a shadow falls on the page as bombardment is returned. While Sacco's drawings require no explanation, Hochschild's descriptive essay provides nightmarish detail recalling the horrors of that day when some 21,000 British soldiers were killed or fatally wounded, a day of the greatest bloodshed in Britain's military history before or since. Of the 763 Canadians in the 1st Newfoundland Regiment there were 684 casualties including every officer. He quotes [[Vera Brittain]] who was working as a nurse's aide in London: "The hospital received orders to clear out all convalescents and prepare for a great rush of wounded… We knew that already a tremendous bombardment had begun, for we could feel the vibration of the guns… Hour after hour, as the convalescents departed, we added to the long rows of waiting beds, so sinister in their white expectant emptiness." An exceptional work, heartbreaking even after over 100 years. ( )

I'm torn on whether to give this 4 or 5 stars. On the one hand, this format is a fascinating way to present a huge event like day one of the Somme. On the other hand, it doesn't quite feel like. enough. How can you condense such a day into a wordless representation? How can any drawing, even this long accordion-shaped panorama, adequately convey the magnitude of it? It reads like an outline, or a collection of stick figures, which can't describe the personal stories and tragedy to go along with the sheer numbers. I want to rate this higher because it seems like it should be Profound, but it just doesn't get all the way there for me. ( )

A spectacular wordless depiction of one the greatest and most catastrophic single battles of World War I in an extended illustration, 24 feet long when fully unfolded. An extraordinarily detailed masterpiece. Includes a historical introduction by Adam Hochschild. ( )

Besides the excellent essay in the accompanying booklet, this book isn't really read, it's viewed. Modeled somewhat off of the Bayeux Tapestry, this "book" folds out to be a 24 page accordion pen and ink drawing that depicts the first day of the "The Big Push" on July 1st, 1916 at the Battle of the Somme. Each page roughly depicts what was happening during that hour of the day. The drawing is true to life and very graphic. Sacco conducted a considerable amount of research in order to depict his subject accurately. It helps to look through it a number of different times. There is a annotated depiction as well after the introduction and essay in the adjoined booklet. A unique book with captivating artwork. ( )