Over the Top by Arthur Empey is a gripping account of one man's experiences as a soldier in World War I. Empey vividly describes the horrors of battle, from the constant fear of being killed to the brutal conditions in the trenches. His writing is raw and honest, pulling the reader into his world and allowing them to feel the same emotions he felt during his time at war.

What sets Over the Top apart from other war memoirs is Empey's sense of humor and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the grim subject matter, he manages to inject moments of levity and humanity into his narrative, making his story both heartbreaking and uplifting.

Overall, Over the Top is a powerful and stirring read that sheds light on the brutal reality of war. Empey's firsthand account is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many during this tumultuous period in history.

Book Description:

Arthur Guy Empey was an American who responded to the sinking of the Lusitania by enlisting with the British Army to fight in France. His experiences in the trenches, including his ultimate wounding and convalescence, became this book. When published in 1917, it was a major hit and helped the recruiting effort when America entered the Great War.

If you’ve heard of the horror of trench warfare in WWI and want to see it from below dirt level, Empey offers it all here.

Also included is Empey’s popular “Tommy’s Dictionary of the Trenches” which humorously demistifies the slang used by the British soldier.