Artillery Scout: The Story of a Forward Observer with the U.S. Field Artillery in World War I

Artillery, the most devastating weapon used in World War I, needs one of two things to be at all effective: a direct line of sight or a talented spotter. This book is the tale of one such spotter, the author’s grandfather, Len Fairfield, and his experiences before and during the war in Europe. Though it explores, in detail, most aspects of the American infantryman’s life – from his food and accommodations to his typical hopes and motivations – it is primarily a biography of a single man.

This book was of mediocre quality. For one thing, the author takes an excruciatingly familiar tone: improper spelling, casual grammar, and painfully overused and clichéd phrases run rampant throughout the entire text. The narrative, although flowing fairly smoothly chronologically, hops haphazardly from a close inspection of Len’s life to general infantry experiences, to political tensions, to national politics, and then returns to Len. Despite its flaws, however, the book moves quickly; it entertains and provides a decent overview of the life of an American Doughboy.

I would not recommend this book as a scholarly work, but it would be perfect as a teen’s introduction to WWI or perhaps as some light evening reading.