"Lay Down Your Arms" provides readers with a powerful and thought-provoking look into the life of Martha von Tilling, a woman who became a leading figure in the peace movement during the late 19th century. Written by Bertha von Suttner, this autobiography offers a candid and raw account of Martha's struggles and triumphs as she navigates the tumultuous political and social landscape of her time.
What makes this book truly stand out is Martha's unwavering commitment to promoting peace and disarmament in the face of overwhelming opposition. Her bravery and determination serve as an inspiration to readers, showing them that even in the darkest of times, one person can make a difference.
Suttner's writing is engaging and insightful, offering a window into Martha's innermost thoughts and feelings as she grapples with the challenges of advocating for peace in a world consumed by violence. The book is a compelling blend of personal narrative and historical insight, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the history of the peace movement.
Overall, "Lay Down Your Arms" is a captivating and enlightening read that sheds light on the life and work of a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to fighting for a more peaceful world. Through Martha's story, readers are reminded of the power of one individual to effect change and the importance of never giving up on one's beliefs.
Book Description:
Die Waffen Nieder, in English: Lay Down Your Arms is a fictional biography, which describes four wars from the perspective of a soldier's wife. The response to the book was worldwide; it became popular, and it can be described as the beginning of the peace movements of our times. Von Suttner received the Nobel Peace Prize - she was a candidate since the first award-ceremony . She foresaw and watched the rise of the First World War, was warning and campaigning against it; but died before the beginning of WW1. Her friend for years, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Alfred Fried, passed on her last words - they were the title of this book and a plea: „Die Waffen nieder! Sag’s vielen... vielen“ “Lay down the arms! Tell it to many... many” - Summary by schrm
"Apart from its value as a work of fiction—great as that is—the book has a transcendent interest for the Society with which I am connected from its bearing on the question of war in general and of the present state of Europe in particular. We are apt to forget how terribly the remembrance of such calamities, and the constant threat of their recurrence, haunt the lives of our Continental brethren. Madame Suttner’s vivid pages will enable those of us who have not seen anything of the ravages of war, or felt the griefs and anxieties of non-combatants, to realise..." Quoted from "translator's preface to the first edition" .
