Wake Up England

By: Robert Bridges

Narrated by: Phillip J. Mather

The narrator pledges to donate 50% of his proceeds to The Royal British Legion Poppy Day Appeal - please support. In "Wake up England", published in 1914 at the start of the Great War, Poet Laureate Robert Bridges urges the British citizenry to support the war by appealing to their sense of patriotism and duty, mindful that God is on their side.

Public Domain (P)2014 Phillip Mather

England stands for Honour. God defend the Right

If you could sum up Wake Up England in three words, what would they be?

War Awakens England

What did you like best about this story?

The poem has a quick and flowing rhythm and the rhyming is simple and good. I also liked how the English saw themselves as fighting for peace and honor, a chivalrous quest for right. They saw themselves as peacemakers of the world, much as Americans see themselves today. It is interesting to see these parallels.

What about Phillip J. Mather’s performance did you like?

He read the poem well. His narration was forceful and energetic, as this poem dictates. I enjoyed listening to it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is a poem that one could listen to again and again.