Funny how the world has changed in less than 100 years.
Today, it is likely that we would know every aspect Ronnie Poulton-Palmer's life - his family background, where he went to school, his social life, his relationships, where he played, how he played. He would be all over the media and feted by the paparazzi. He would be sponsored by Banks, deodorants, after-shaves and sports goods companies. Probably, he would have a multi-million pound contract to play rugby in France.
Instead, he scored four tries in his last game for England in 1914 and gave his life for his country in 1915.
Even if you have nor heard of Ronnie Poulton-Palmer, even if you are not particularly keen on Rugby, you should read this book. It evokes a time and a long-lost sense of values and behavioural code - as well as the life of a quite extraordinary man whose story deserves to be told.
For Poulton and England: The Life and Times of an Edwardian Rugby Hero Synopsis
An outstanding leader and personality in every respect, Poulton captained England to what is now called a 'Grand Slam' in 1914 the last season before the First World War. Once war was declared he spent seven months training in England with his battalion of the Royal Berkshire Regiment before crossing to Belgium via France at the end of March 1915. Five weeks later he was shot dead by a sniper in the trenches, still aged only twenty-five.
James Corsan was born in 1951. He began professional life as a barrister and then survived a quarter of a century in the British film and television industry. This is his first book.
