The Soul of a Nation

"The Soul of a Nation" by Philip Gibbs is a reflective look at the burial of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey, an event that allowed the country to remember the sacrifices of World War I. The book paints a picture of the sadness and respect felt by a society grieving its war dead through clear descriptions and sincere thoughts. It narrates the important ceremony in Whitehall, where people from all walks of life came together to honor a soldier who stood for all the unnamed heroes of the war. Gibbs points out the strong ties between those in attendance, especially those who had lost family, and sets their modest sacrifices against the grand scene of military leaders and royalty. In the end, the book captures the solemn but dignified mood of a country joined in sorrow as the Unknown Soldier is buried, acting as an homage to the many lives lost and humanity's strength in the face of the terrible impacts of war.