Author(s): Helen Walasek

History/Politics | European

Historian Asa Briggs commented that "Punch" through the Second World War recaptures the mood of the period perhaps more evocatively than any other source. And "Punch"'s renowned cartoons, above all, reveal the flavour of the era to present-day readers - bringing to life the restrictions, foibles and fears of wartime Britain. Gas masks, blackouts, evacuation, identity cards, air raids, rationing, Digging For Victory, Land Girls and Wrens, "Punch" depicted the British as they Kept Calm and Carried On. "Punch Goes to War" is an entertaining and nostalgic look at the British during one of the most stirring eras of our recent past and is a uniquely accessible historical document. 2010 represents the 70th anniversary of Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the beginning of the "Blitz", all of which feature prominently in the book.