A Lord Lieutenant in Wartime

Brief Summary

A Lord Lieutenant in Wartime by Richard Batten offers a detailed exploration of the British Home Front during the First World War from the perspective of the Lord Lieutenant of Devonshire, Hugh Fortescue, the fourth Earl Fortescue. This scholarly work delves into Fortescue's personal experiences and his contributions to the war effort within the county of Devon. It leverages original documents, including the wartime diaries and a typescript authored by Fortescue himself, to offer readers an enriched understanding of the era and the pivotal role played by local elites in wartime Britain.

Main Themes and Topics

The book revolves around several key themes. Central among them is the theme of leadership in challenging times, as it presents the multifaceted duties and responsibilities faced by Earl Fortescue during the First World War. Another significant theme is the intersection of local authority and war effort, illustrating how county-level administration interacted with broader national wartime strategies. Additionally, the book exemplifies the theme of historical documentation and scholarship, showcasing Richard Batten's meticulous use of primary sources to build a narrative grounded in original historical records. These narratives contribute extensively to understanding the war's impact on both societal structures and individual lives at a more regional level.

Writing Style and Tone

Richard Batten's writing style in A Lord Lieutenant in Wartime is academic yet accessible, striking a balance between scholarly rigor and reader engagement. The tone is primarily formal, reflecting the nature of historical study and analysis. Batten successfully encapsulates the historical context and personal anecdotes through a clear, well-organized narrative. His approach allows readers to engage deeply with both the personal and political aspects of Earl Fortescue's wartime role, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the period.

Criticism

One potential criticism of the book is that its focus on a very specific historical figure—Lord Lieutenant Hugh Fortescue—may limit its appeal to a broader audience interested in more general aspects of World War I history. While the detailed examination offers significant insights for historians and those interested in Devonshire's local history, casual readers might find the narrative somewhat narrow in scope. Additionally, the reliance on Earl Fortescue's personal records could present a singular perspective, potentially necessitating supplementary contexts for a holistic view of the events discussed.