Book excerpt: An English and American woman in arms during the Great War Accounts of woman who don the uniforms of soldiers to take their place in battle have always fascinated students of military history. In modern times most of the world's armed forces include women-not uncommonly engaged in combat roles, but in earlier times women who wanted to fight had to disguise themselves as men and keep their true identities secret. The First World War changed most of the rules of warfare, not least of which was the desperate need for all those involved to shoulder a share in the conflict irrespective of gender. The more desperate the plight of the protagonist, the more likely women would be found making a vital contribution. This time of crisis not only engaged women but highlighted their essential position in society and the undeniable extent of their capabilities. Once that door was open there would be no closing it and the status of women was changed forever in western society. The two women whose personal accounts are included in this book offered their services to Serbia, one of the hardest pressed small countries to be embroiled in a war that would destroy great nations. Each story is a riveting one of resolution, courage, perseverance, commitment and suffering by women with high morale principles. This unique good value Leonaur edition is highly recommended. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket; our hardbacks are cloth bound and feature gold foil lettering on their spines and fabric head and tail bands.