Customer Reviews

7 reviews

• Amanda

  This little gem of nonfiction gives you a glimpse into the lives of the British conscientious objectors of WWI. Barker has done a great job of making this part of history more than just names and dates. A quick read.

• George Mitchell

  The story of Dartmoor prison is very interesting in all respects. Pip Barker has done a great job describing the details of the prison and what life was like for the Conscientious Objectors during WWI.

• Bob M

  I read this book and was surprised how much I learnt from it. It's very informative, he's a very knowledgeable writer on the subject, and it has been put together in a way to make it very interesting. It's also illustrated nicely. Definitely worth a read.

• three-eared-cat

  Very interesting book, would definitely recommend! The range of information and detail given is superb - from the daily running of the camp to interactions with local people, from the nature of the tasks undertaken to the rights and freedoms allowed. The quotes and illustrations included from the CO's, the Medical Officer and others add colour & depth and give an invaluable insight into the life of a CO and how they were regarded at that time.

• Steeleye Fan

  I bought this book having a keen interest in British history during both World War I and II. I was aware that Dartmoor Prison was used to "house" Conscientious Objectors during the First World War but soon found out how little I really knew: Pip Barker has an obvious passion and in-depth knowledge for his topic and this comes across right from the outset of reading this informative and fascinating book. He has a nice easy style of writing and there are some great black and white photos scattered throughout the book which help illustrate some of his descriptive pieces. I did see in notes about the author that his Great Grandfather was indeed a Warder at Dartmoor!! I thoroughly recommend this book which I believe has to be the "definitive book" on the subject and one that brings the whole story of that time wonderfully to life.

• Julia Wilson

  Princetown And The Conscientious Objectors Of WWI by Pip Barker is a fascinating and comprehensive account of the men who often got a bad press at the time and about whom I knew very little.
  Princetown is an inhospitable prison on Dartmoor. “The whole place could only be described as grim.” I can confirm that statement as I remember my Dad driving us past it in the late 1970s. It is grey and very bleak as it towers over the landscape.
  The prison was emptied of prisoners in February 1917 to make way for the C.O’s to arrive in March 1917. It rapidly filled to hold 1200 men who remained there until April 1919. The men lived and worked in the prison or the surrounding area.
  Although there were no locks on the doors, the men still had a tough time as it was cold and damp.
  The public had little compassion for the C.O’s as many of the people had relatives who were fighting in the war. The women could be particularly cruel as they handed out white feathers. “These men were viewed unsympathetically, and in some cases with open hostility.” The C.O’s stood steadfast in their beliefs.
  This is only a small book but jam-packed with information and totally fascinating, opening up history to me.
  The inclusion of photos gave faces to the men, making history come alive. These men were someone’s sons or fathers. They should not be forgotten.
  Princetown And The Conscientious Objectors Of WWI offers a glimpse into the past, educating us as we read as history comes alive.
  I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
  

• Christian Bookaholic

  This is only a small book but jam-packed with information and totally fascinating, opening up history to me.
  
  The inclusion of photos gave faces to the men, making history come alive. These men were someone’s sons or fathers. They should not be forgotten.
  
  Princetown And The Conscientious Objectors Of WWI offers a glimpse into the past, educating us as we read as history comes alive.

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