Private Peaceful relives the life of Private Tommo Peaceful, a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad at dawn. During the night he looks back at his short but joyful past growing up in rural Devon: his exciting first days at school; the accident in the forest that killed his father; his adventures with Molly, the love of his life; and the battles and injustices of war that brought him to the front line. Winner of the Blue Peter Book of the Year, Private Peaceful is by the third Children's Laureate, Michael Morpurgo, award-winning author of War Horse. His inspiration came from a visit to Ypres where he was shocked to discover how many young soldiers were court-martialled and shot for cowardice during the First World War. This edition also includes introductory essays by Michael Morpurgo, Associate Director of Private Peaceful production Mark Leipacher, as well as an essay from Simon Reade, adaptor & director of this stage adaptation of Private Peaceful.
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo is a British author known for his children's literature, particularly his moving and emotionally resonant stories. He is best known for his novel "War Horse," which was adapted into a successful stage play and later a film directed by Steven Spielberg. Morpurgo's writing often explores themes of war, family, and the natural world, drawing on his own experiences as a teacher and his passion for storytelling. His works have had a profound impact on the genre of children's literature, earning him numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Children's Laureate title in 2003. With over 130 books to his name, Morpurgo continues to captivate readers of all ages with his heartfelt and thought-provoking storytelling.