Trench Talk, Trench Life

Festooned with more than 200 original black-and-white illustrations by author, designer and artist Fredric Winkowski, this concise, handsomely illustrated, boots-on-the-ground guide provides a unique introduction to life on the Western Front during World War I. Readers will learn about the drastic living circumstances of the widely known archetypal foot soldiers of, respectively, Britain, France and the United States: Tommy Atkins, Poilu, and Doughboy. We all know something of how these men existed in muddy trenches, subject to shelling, snipers and waiting for the next Big Push; but it is through the unique vocabulary of those troops, with their newly-coined words, slang, and euphemisms that we can most easily enter their world. Readers will learn the meaning behind the long lost wartime language of these soldiers, with such words and phrases as: Black Hand Gang, Ace, Crummy, Barker, Dud, Come-alongs, Hush-hush, and Over the top.

Fredric Winkowski is a publishing professional with experience as an author, designer, illustrator, photographer, and art director. His interest in World War I goes back to grade school. Winkowski has flown old biplanes, met collectors, and examined and photographed nearly every existing WWI infantry weapon. He's collaborated with experts on military history and even participated in WWI reenactments, experiencing trench-life firsthand. Winkowski is a publishing professional. Born in Cohoes, NY, he splits his time between New York, NY and Seattle, WA.

Dr. Stephen Bull is currently Curator of Military History and Archaeology at Lancashire County Museums in the UK. His television and radio appearances include “Battlefield Detectives,” along with numerous news and current affairs productions. He has also made a number of short films for museum and gallery use, and exhibitions curated include “Images of the American West” and “Battle of the Somme.” He is the author of more than 30 books and has been listed for the Portico Prize for Literature for his work on the Civil War in Lancashire. His most recent book is Churchill's Army (Bloomsbury), published in 2016. He lives in Lancashire, UK.