- Michael Morpurgo

Private Peaceful: Anniversary edition

By Michael Morpurgo

A stunning new edition of this modern classic of World War One, featuring a new introduction by the author and insightful testimonies from soldiers, to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

Told in the voice of Private Tommo Peaceful, the story follows twenty-four hours at the front, and captures his memories of his family and his village life – by no means as tranquil as it appeared.

Full of vivid detail and engrossing atmosphere, leading to a dramatic and moving conclusion, Private Peaceful is both a compelling love story and a deeply moving account of the First World War.

Extra material:

-Introduction by Michael Morpurgo
-Inspiration letter by Michael Morpurgo
-Background on the execution of British soldiers in WW1 for cowardice, including personal testimony from soldiers

Format: Hardback
Ageband: 9 to 12
Release Date: 02 Jun 2016
Pages: 208
ISBN: 978-0-00-819174-0
Detailed Edition: Anniversary edition
Michael Morpurgo OBE is one of Britain\'s best-loved writers for children, and has sold more than 35 million books around the world. He has written more than 150 novels and won many prizes, including the Smarties Prize, the Whitbread Award and the Blue Peter Book Award, while several of his books have been adapted for stage and screen, including the global theatrical phenomenon War Horse. Michael was Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005, and founded the charity Farms for City Children with his wife, Clare. He was knighted in 2018 for services to literature and charity.

”'His [Tommo’s] journey from agricultural labourer to cannon fodder is movingly told… Michael Morpurgo is expert at getting through to his readers. He writes here about events that should never be forgotten nor forgiven, and does so most effectively.” - Independent

”'Full of warmth as well as grief, conveying vividly how precious it is to be alive” - Sunday Times

”'The best novel he’s written since The Butterfly Lion.” - Times

”'Deserved to last as an insight into the First World War in the same way as, say, The Silver Sword or Goodnight Mr Tom.” - Telegraph

”'A poignant, elegiac novel.” - Daily Mail

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Now touring until 9 July 2022 The Peaceful brothers, Tommo and Charlie, have a tough rural childhood facing the loss of their father, financial hardship and a cruel landlord. Their fierce loyalty to each other pulls them through, until one day they both fall for the same girl. And then… Read More

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Michael Morpurgo recently attended the Charleston Festival, discussing his modern WW1 classic, Private Peaceful. The event was a fitting conclusion to the festival, with it being the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and the centenary of Charleston, a base for conscientious objectors in WW1. Michael on-stage… Read More