Book: Antiques Roadshow: World War One In 100 Family Treasures

FIRST World War mementos which belonged to 100 men and women in the British forces and are still owned and treasured by their descendants, are the theme of this fascinating book. Last year, the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow sought families which had a relative who had taken part in the war and a story to tell about them.

They also had to produce an object that was part of that story and a family member to relate the tale. Thousands of people responded to the appeal and 50 items were selected, which formed the backbone of two special programmes.

Material that was not used has now gone into this book by Paul Atterbury, an author and expert on the show. The wide range of mementos includes wallets that deflected bullets and saved the owner’s life, photographs, rings, medals, personal letters and documents.

Each item is accompanied by a short history and account of what the original owner had been like. The stories provide riveting and moving reading.