Never Again! A Protest and a Warning Addressed to the Peoples of Europe

"Never Again! A Protest and a Warning Addressed to the Peoples of Europe" by Edward Carpenter is a powerful plea against the horrors of warfare, written during the early 20th century, specifically amid the tumult of World War I. This thought-provoking work can be characterized as a socio-political manifesto, urging readers to confront the inherent violence of war and the dire consequences it brings to humanity. Carpenter's work carries a deep sense of urgency, positing that humanity stands at a critical juncture where a choice must be made: to continue down the destructive path of conflict or to pursue a peaceful future. In this book, Carpenter reflects on the tremendous suffering inflicted by war, weaving together poignant observations from the front lines and the emotional toll it takes on individuals and families. He vividly describes the irony of soldiers forming bonds with their supposed enemies while being commanded to fight against one another, pointing to the broader insanity of armed conflict. Throughout the text, Carpenter emphasizes the need for unity, compassion, and collective action among the masses, rather than blind allegiance to governments that perpetuate violence for their own ambitions. The book serves as both a heart-wrenching testament to the brutality of war and a hopeful call for a peaceful, collaborative future grounded in love and understanding. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Edward Carpenter was an English utopian socialist, poet, philosopher, anthologist, an early activist for gay rights and prison reform whilst advocating vegetarianism and taking a stance against vivisection. As a philosopher, he was particularly known for his publication of Civilisation: Its Cause and Cure. Here, he described civilisation as a form of disease through which human societies pass.