Journey's End

By R.C. Sherriff

Book Overview

"Journey's End, a Novel" is a powerful prose adaptation of R. C. Sherriff's seminal play, co-authored with Vernon Bartlett. Set in the claustrophobic and harrowing environment of the British trenches in France during World War I, this narrative captures the psychological strain and raw reality of men awaiting their fate. The story follows Captain Stanhope, a young but battle-worn commander who has turned to drink to cope with the horrors of the front, and the arrival of Raleigh, an idealistic young officer who once idolized him.

Through poignant dialogue and intense character studies, the novel explores themes of courage, loyalty, and the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on the human spirit. As the threat of a massive German offensive looms, the interpersonal dynamics between the officers-including the stoic Osborne and the terrified Hibbert-reveal the diverse ways individuals process fear and duty. "Journey's End, a Novel" stands as a definitive piece of Great War literature, offering a visceral and empathetic look at the lives of those on the front lines, preserved here for its immense historical and literary significance.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025762142
• ISBN13: 9781025762142
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A journey through life

Timeless classic, brilliantly written, the characters could be any nationality engaged in war. As in intense situations where people are grouped together who normally would not find themselves so, there is the measure of each man summed up beautifully and poignantly. The kinship of where they are and what they are about makes for interesting reading. The simple set, and the small group of characters deepen as do the shadows, darken as does the night, and awaken with the dawn's light. Subtle humor keeps the spirits of the men alive, but tempers flare, cowardice is contained, and glory is achieved in different forms to each man. The ending in particular, leaves the reader with much to think about; to admire the human spirit, as well as to mourn within the human condition, and finally, that which can be lost senselessly.

time to rediscover this play

The theatrical power of "Journey's End" is only heightened by the humor in the details of each day's living in the face of certain death. The playwright's craft in characterization and circumstance raises the work past the "war play" genre to the level of human tragedy for its period and for all time. Lucky, too, for anyone interested, that there is a first-rate production on view this season (2005) at the Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, just over the border north of Naigara Falls.

The Mortar is Cascading

Excellent play. Excellent poignancy. Excellent subtlety. For English, I had to write another ending for the play and it served me so well. Stanhope's bottled emotions versus Raleigh's incomprehension of everything creates an extremely powerful juxta-POS-ition. To read it is a pretty good experience. But to see the TV version with Timothy Spall as Trotter is something else entirely. Wicked. Aye.

Life in the Trenches

A true classic about life in the trenches. The writer served with an infantry regiment for most of the war and it shows. The play is sharp and spare. A truly remarkable work. I discovered it by accident. Read this play. And cross your fingers that one day you can see it on stage. Mine are.

Journey's End - a Masterpiece

As far as I know, this is the only play R C Sherriff ever wrote, and that is one of the greatest tragedies of the twentieth century. There have been various theatrical productions - including the Jason Connery/Nicky Henson production at the Whitehall theatre which captured absolutely the poignant, black humour of the piece. This drama, set in the trenches has everything - comedy, tragedy, history, despair and hope. I studied this piece at school and it has made a lasting impression on me. Captain Stanhope and Uncle will have a place in my heart for ever...