John Mullen - The Show Must Go On - Popular Song in Britain During the First World War - Print Book

John Mullen

Discover a fascinating historical account of popular entertainment during the First World War with John Mullen's The Show Must Go On. Drawing on a vast collection of over one thousand popular songs and 150 soldier's anthems, this book offers a deep dive into the musical tastes and cultural experiences of working-class audiences during wartime. Moving beyond nostalgic myths about the music hall, Mullen examines the significance of various genres including revue, pantomime, musical comedy, and army entertainment. The book highlights the vital role of live performances and sheet music sales in the early 20th-century entertainment economy. It provides a nuanced look at the intersection of commerce, propaganda, patriotism, and social attitudes, revealing how music served as a powerful medium for audiences navigating the pressures of the Great War. Product Summary: John Mullen The Show Must Go On, historical music book, First World War popular songs, music hall history, social history of British music, print book, scholarly research on WWI entertainment.