A.S. Helm

A unique travel book of its time. The writer worked for the Education Rehabilitation Service of the Second E.F. of the New Zealand Army stationed in Egypt and then later in 1944, Italy. He visits historical and archaeological sites as a precursor to organized tours for NZ troops on leave from action in those countries. Helm, the author, is industrious in his mission, knowledgeable, appreciative of the span of history and, most important, a competent writer. There are some turns of phrase that sound anachronistic 75 years on, but they won't distract from a travel book written at a critical time for Italy (which predominates over Egypt as far as content is measured).
The New Zealand contribution to the Italian campaign to drive out the German occupation is fading from memory; but a new well illustrated book "From Taranto to Trieste: Following the 2nd NZ Division's Italian Campaign, 1943-45" by Jennifer Mallinson. Fraser Books, Masterton, NZ. (2019) is a welcome addition to the history.… (lisätietoja)