Shelled by an Unseen Foe By: William Almon Wolff (1885-1933)
Shelled by an Unseen Foe by William Almon Wolff is a gripping and deeply personal account of one man's harrowing experience during World War II. This memoir takes the readers on a compelling journey through the eyes of the author as he bravely confronts the horrors of war. The book opens with a vivid description of Wolff's idyllic childhood in a quiet rural town, painting a stark contrast to the chaos that soon engulfs his life. As war breaks out and Wolff is drafted into the military, the narrative takes on a sense of urgency and tension that never wanes. What makes Shelled by an Unseen Foe truly remarkable is Wolff's ability to capture the great human cost of war. His prose is hauntingly evocative, immersing the reader in the relentless bombardment, the constant fear, and the profound loss experienced by those on the frontlines. Through his expertly crafted descriptions, we can almost feel the deafening explosions and taste the acrid smell of burning buildings. Wolff's portrayal of the camaraderie among soldiers is a testament to the unyielding spirit of brotherhood that emerges in the face of adversity. He vividly depicts the bonds formed between comrades who, though diverse in their backgrounds and personalities, find solace and strength in one another's presence. These passages offer a glimpse of hope amidst the bleakness, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in the midst of unimaginable circumstances. One aspect that truly sets this memoir apart is the candidness with which Wolff reflects on the psychological toll exacted by war. He doesn't shy away from exploring the emotional scars that are left long after the battles end. The trauma, the survivor's guilt, and the deep sense of loss are described with an unflinching honesty that leaves a profound impact on the reader. However, at times, the narrative's pacing felt somewhat uneven. Certain sections seemed to linger longer than necessary, interrupting the otherwise gripping flow of events. Despite this minor criticism, Shelled by an Unseen Foe remains an engrossing and well-crafted memoir that showcases Wolff's remarkable storytelling abilities. In conclusion, Shelled by an Unseen Foe is a deeply moving and thought-provoking memoir that offers valuable insights into the realities of war. It is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the lasting impact of conflict on those who experience it firsthand. William Almon Wolff's storytelling prowess shines throughout, making this memoir an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the profound effects of war. First Page: World's War Series, Volume 8 SHELLED BY AN UNSEEN FOE by COLONEL JAMES FISKE Illustrated by F. Schwankovsky, Jr. [Frontispiece: One, two, three steps past him went the sentry again.] The Saalfield Publishing Company Chicago Akron, Ohio New York Copyright, 1916, by The Saalfield Publishing Company CONTENTS CHAPTER I. The Call of Home II. An Impressed Soldier III. Only a Stoker IV. A Struggle in the Sea V. Into Service VI. A Letter Home VII. A Bit of Romance VIII. Happiness for Helen IX. Visions X. Victory XI. Days of Waiting XII. Greater Things ILLUSTRATIONS One, two, three steps past him went the sentry again. . . . . . . . . . . . Frontispiece Trench layout diagram SHELLED BY AN UNSEEN FOE CHAPTER I THE CALL OF HOME Reveille was over at the military school, and the three boys on the end of the line nearest the mess hall walked slowly toward the broad steps of the big brick building ahead. They differed greatly in type, but of this they were unconscious, for all were deep in thought. "I am going home," said the tallest boy abruptly. "Had a letter from my sister last night. My word, they are having some ripping times over there!" "Your father won't let you," said the second lad... Continue reading book >>

Shelled by an Unseen Foe By: William Almon Wolff (1885-1933)

Shelled by an Unseen Foe by William Almon Wolff is a gripping and deeply personal account of one man's harrowing experience during World War II. This memoir takes the readers on a compelling journey through the eyes of the author as he bravely confronts the horrors of war.

The book opens with a vivid description of Wolff's idyllic childhood in a quiet rural town, painting a stark contrast to the chaos that soon engulfs his life. As war breaks out and Wolff is drafted into the military, the narrative takes on a sense of urgency and tension that never wanes.

What makes Shelled by an Unseen Foe truly remarkable is Wolff's ability to capture the great human cost of war. His prose is hauntingly evocative, immersing the reader in the relentless bombardment, the constant fear, and the profound loss experienced by those on the frontlines. Through his expertly crafted descriptions, we can almost feel the deafening explosions and taste the acrid smell of burning buildings.

Wolff's portrayal of the camaraderie among soldiers is a testament to the unyielding spirit of brotherhood that emerges in the face of adversity. He vividly depicts the bonds formed between comrades who, though diverse in their backgrounds and personalities, find solace and strength in one another's presence. These passages offer a glimpse of hope amidst the bleakness, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in the midst of unimaginable circumstances.

One aspect that truly sets this memoir apart is the candidness with which Wolff reflects on the psychological toll exacted by war. He doesn't shy away from exploring the emotional scars that are left long after the battles end. The trauma, the survivor's guilt, and the deep sense of loss are described with an unflinching honesty that leaves a profound impact on the reader.

However, at times, the narrative's pacing felt somewhat uneven. Certain sections seemed to linger longer than necessary, interrupting the otherwise gripping flow of events. Despite this minor criticism, Shelled by an Unseen Foe remains an engrossing and well-crafted memoir that showcases Wolff's remarkable storytelling abilities.

In conclusion, Shelled by an Unseen Foe is a deeply moving and thought-provoking memoir that offers valuable insights into the realities of war. It is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the lasting impact of conflict on those who experience it firsthand. William Almon Wolff's storytelling prowess shines throughout, making this memoir an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the profound effects of war.

First Page:

World's War Series, Volume 8

SHELLED BY AN UNSEEN FOE

COLONEL JAMES FISKE

Illustrated by F. Schwankovsky, Jr.

[Frontispiece: One, two, three steps past him went the sentry again.]

The Saalfield Publishing Company Chicago Akron, Ohio New York Copyright, 1916, by The Saalfield Publishing Company

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

I. The Call of Home II. An Impressed Soldier III. Only a Stoker IV. A Struggle in the Sea V. Into Service VI. A Letter Home VII. A Bit of Romance VIII. Happiness for Helen IX. Visions X. Victory XI. Days of Waiting XII. Greater Things

ILLUSTRATIONS

One, two, three steps past him went the sentry again. . . . . . . . . . . . Frontispiece

Trench layout diagram

SHELLED BY AN UNSEEN FOE

CHAPTER I

THE CALL OF HOME

Reveille was over at the military school, and the three boys on the end of the line nearest the mess hall walked slowly toward the broad steps of the big brick building ahead. They differed greatly in type, but of this they were unconscious, for all were deep in thought.

"I am going home," said the tallest boy abruptly. "Had a letter from my sister last night. My word, they are having some ripping times over there!"

"Your father won't let you," said the second lad... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
War stories

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Wikipedia – William Almon Wolff
Wikipedia – Shelled by an Unseen Foe

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