The book of Artemas: concerning men, and the things that men did do, at the time when there was war

In Short

This curious volume serves as a satirical commentary on the political and social climate of England during the First World War. By adopting the archaic, prophetic tone of a biblical scribe, the narrative strips away the gravity of the era to expose the follies, bureaucratic blunders, and shifting public moods of the time. It is a work of historical curiosity, capturing the cynicism and weary humor of a populace navigating a landscape transformed by total war, rationing, and the questionable competence of their chosen leaders.

The Story

The narrative begins with a depiction of peace in the land of Eur, which is swiftly undone by the envy and ambition of Willi, the ruler of the men of Hu. Willi’s vanity, fueled by his sycophantic son, Mud, leads to the outbreak of war. The focus then shifts to the land of En, where a complex web of political leaders—including Herbert, David, and Winston—struggles to maintain order. These rulers, perpetually divided and often indecisive, navigate the crisis through a series of tactical shifts, changing policies, and the appointment of censors to keep the public in the dark.

As the conflict intensifies, the domestic landscape undergoes radical changes. The government restricts the consumption of strong drink, imposes early closing times for bazaars, and initiates heavy taxation to fund the war effort. The narrative observes the rise of "Flag Days," where citizens are pressed by energetic young women into donating their coin for various causes, often while the wealthy seek refuge in underground shelters. The social fabric is further strained by the conscription of young men, the emergence of the "munitioners" who escape the front lines through labor, and the public's fickle relationship with their leadership.

The arc of the conflict is mirrored in the shifting reputations of the men in power. Herbert, initially a patient shepherd of the rulers, eventually gives way to David, a figure described as a "skeleton key" capable of opening any lock, who rises to prominence by lashing out at those who question the war effort. Concurrently, the story tracks the provocations of the men of Hu on the high seas, which eventually draw the distant land of Amer into the fray. Wudro, the leader of Amer, initially attempts a diplomatic path, writing measured letters to Willi, but his patience is eventually exhausted by the continued sinking of peaceful vessels.

The final segments contrast the heroism of individual warriors—such as the "Mad Major" who loops his plane over the enemy—with the bureaucratic absurdity of the home front. The narrative concludes by reflecting on the lessons of the era: the necessity of pragmatism, the danger of empty rhetoric, and the finality of the path once chosen. The war concludes not with a singular triumph of grace, but with the exhaustion of the belligerents and the transformation of a society that can no longer return to the peaceful, prosperous existence it once knew.

How It Unfolds

The gathering storm The narrative establishes the catalyst for the global struggle, characterizing the ruler of Hu as a man consumed by corrosive envy of his neighbors’ prosperity. His son, Mud, encourages this darkness, framing the invasion as a divine right of the powerful.

The political dance In the land of En, the rulers grapple with their own internal divisions and the constant pressure of the public. Men like Herbert attempt to maintain consensus through patience, while Winston is sidelined for his youthful rashness, and others are purged when public outcry reaches a fever pitch.

The home front transformed The war dictates the minutiae of daily life, from the rationing of alcohol to the darkness imposed on city streets. The government’s attempt to manage information through censorship and to fund the struggle through vast collections of gold creates a climate of suspicion and forced compliance.

The call to arms As the war drags on, the government implements mandatory service, though the process is riddled with exemptions and "tribunals" that allow many to avoid the front. The narrative highlights the tension between those who toil in munitions factories and those who face the realities of the battlefield.

The entry of a new power The conflict expands across the sea as the ruler of Amer is forced to abandon his neutral stance. Following a series of diplomatic exchanges that go unheeded by the leaders of Hu, the final commitment to battle is made, cementing the total nature of the war.

The People

Willi, the ruler of the men of Hu, serves as the primary antagonist, driven by a vanity that blinds him to the consequences of his aggression. His son, Mud, acts as a corrupting influence, preying on his father’s ego to propel the nation into conflict. In the land of En, Herbert begins as the central authority, defined by a patience that eventually becomes a liability. He is contrasted with David, an adaptable, energetic politician who rises from a hated outsider to a "mighty captain" by mirroring the public's changing demands. Winston is depicted as a venturous, volatile youth who remains a peripheral figure, waiting for his moment. Northcliffe emerges as "The Awakener," a powerful media voice whose relentless criticism forces the rulers to act. Finally, Wudro of Amer represents the slow-to-anger peaceable ruler who, despite his initial preference for epistles and diplomacy, is eventually driven to commit his nation to the fight through the sheer provocations of the enemy.

In Its Own Voice

The sun shine over all the world whilst my shadow is for ever at two hours after summer noon.

Willi’s vanity leads him to believe his own influence is fixed and superior to the natural course of the day.

The people did drop their hands towards the earth, saying, Deliver us from the priests.

This line captures the public’s growing resentment toward moralizing leaders who criticize their behavior while the world is at war.

Whatsoever there is need of, that thing will he surely do.

This description of David emphasizes his role as a political opportunist who survives by adapting his principles to the necessity of the moment.

What It's Really About

The book is a study in the erosion of idealism during wartime. It argues that war is not merely a struggle between nations but a machine that grinds down the integrity of leaders and the patience of the public alike. By focusing on the "rules" and "councils" of the government, it suggests that human governance is inherently flawed, often driven by vanity, fear, and the desire to silence dissent. It explores the tension between those who profit from the chaos and those who suffer, suggesting that in times of crisis, the most "prudent" individuals are those who manage to hide their own interests behind the masks of patriotism and service.

Why Read It Today

Readers with an interest in the history of the Great War will find this a unique document of contemporary satire. It provides a sharp, biting look at the British home front that is rarely found in traditional, somber accounts of the period. However, it is a challenging read; the mimicry of biblical syntax, while clever, can be repetitive and dense for modern eyes. The text also carries the period attitudes and prejudices of 1917, which may feel jarring to contemporary readers. Despite these hurdles, those who appreciate political irony and the study of how societies rationalize the irrational will find much to admire. It serves as a reminder that the absurdity of bureaucracy and the fickleness of public opinion are not new phenomena, but constants in the history of human conflict. What stays with the reader is the persistent, cynical sense that behind the grand banners and "Flag Days," the business of war is often handled by men who are more concerned with their own survival than with the grand ideals they profess. It is a work for those who prefer their history with a heavy dose of skepticism and a wry, mocking smile.