Leaves from a Field Note-Book

"Leaves from a Field Note-Book" by J. H. (John Hartman) Morgan is a series of firsthand stories from World War I, told from the perspective of a Home Office Commissioner with the British Expeditionary Force. The book offers a window into the everyday lives of soldiers, the difficulties they encountered, and the stark truth of warfare. The author uses various narratives to highlight the human side of war, with a focus on the lives, struggles, and surroundings of the soldiers. The book begins by placing Morgan within the military structure, creating a sense of realism in his observations, as he describes the daily routines, challenges, and subtle details of military life both at the base and on the front lines. Revealing the relationships between officers and enlisted men, and the shared experiences of camaraderie and hardship, Morgan seeks to honestly portray the emotional and physical impact of war. Readers are introduced to a range of characters from different backgrounds, whose thoughts, fears, and hopes are revealed amidst the turmoil of conflict. This introduction sets the stage for a more complete examination of the human experiences of war later in the book.