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Introduction.
The site features a collection of war-themed postal cards
produced during World War 1 (1914 - 1919). More than 2,500 cards
will eventually be displayed in an organized fashion. The cards are mementos of a world at
war during the second decade of the 20th century.
This web-site has been established to provide a tool to students,
researchers and postcard collectors with an interest in the period of
World War One in general or "Great War" propaganda in
particular.
These cards are historical artifacts which are not only often beautiful
examples of the lithographers art but are also of interest to students
of art, military and political history. The site is a creation of two
individuals who bring a combined total of 50 years experience as amateur
historians and active collectors. All of the cards pictured in the
site are authentic originals. The site is itself a "work in
progress" and it will be so for some time! A significant number of cards
are "rare" from a collector's viewpoint and we therefore hope
that this increases both the usefulness and interest. We thank you for
looking. Enjoy !!
Oh yes, because of the image density, some of the pages may take a bit
of time to load. Please be patient, you will not be disappointed
for having waited!
Postcards as
important historical artifacts.
In reviewing this site it should be appreciated that these cards
were produced in the pre-electronic age. Postal cards were a universal
medium of communication at a time when the only avenues of mass
communication were printed newspapers, journals, books, posters and the
mail. It is therefore proper to consider "mail with a
message", which is what postal cards are, as a medium of mass
communication. Postal cards were immensely popular and the economic
mainstay of a vast and diverse printing industry throughout western
Europe. Postcards were inexpensive, inexpensive to send, ubiquitously
available and endlessly creative in the message their pictures conveyed.
Because they were a major means of communication, postcards were
produced to communicate the full range of human thought and intent. From
humor to nostalgia to joy to hate. It is precisely for this reason that
they are important cultural and historical artifacts. In times of war
there is a distillation of belief and motivation and emotion that is
clearly reflected in the cards displayed on this website. They are not
merely snapshots of a world at war. They are virtual windows into the
minds and hearts of millions who fought that war on the battlefields and
the home front as well.
The richness of study to be found in these cards will stimulate, delight
and amaze you. |
