Vernon Scannell is undoubtedly one of the most important poets of the Second World War, a fact that is reflected in his critical acclaim and popular appeal. Of Love and War contains a selection, made by the author himself, of the best of his previously published poetry on the themes of love and war, along with a number of new poems. This combination presents the reader with a rich and enjoyable volume of work. As described in the Sunday Telegraph, Scannell's poems are carefully crafted: 'Scannell is one of what seems to be a vanishing breed, a poet of technical accomplishment who understands that poetry, like the other arts, is a craft as well' The poems in Of Love and War explore all aspects of human love and conflict in a wide range of ways - sardonic, celebratory, tender and bittersweet.