Richard Lyons brings his creative talents to an exploration of some of the most vexing and profound questions about war in this imaginative series of epic poems. But by the Chance of War is reminiscent of the great Greek and Roman works. Each of the four parts ranges in setting from ancient India to Colonial American, to battlefields of modern Europe and to a conjectured scene in the contemporary Mid East. Throughout the animated and lyrical writing, Mr. Lyons examines our impulses towards combat and encourages the reader to contemplate the seemingly inexplicable dynamic towards destruction despite our conscious knowledge of war’s ultimate futility. Each play features memorable characters who come to grips with the implication of technological advances that hasten the scope and velocity of casualties as they grapple with the moral questions of individual responsibility, the nature of military leadership, and the impact of the evolution of war on civilizations. Those who join Mr. Lyons on this epic quest will gain new insights into human nature.
Praise for
But by the Chance of War
“A monumental work…Staggering and impressive unlike anything of its kind in both scope and
artistic achievement” —Literary Inklings“A profound examination of the phenomenon of war.”
—Clarion Book Review“Overall it’s a work of great scholarship… A sometimes brilliant and often moving poetic
explanation of humanity’s warlike ways.” —Kirkus Reviews“An Epic of this magnitude deserves a series of book club discussions, or an entire course for
Poetics, Classical Literature, History or Philosophy, it deserves that kind of time, attention and
scholarship.” —U.S. Review of Books“But By The Chance of War is well worth considering for fans of quality poetry–highly
recommended…Military and general lending libraries alike will find this a fine read.”
—Midwest Book Review
AWARDS
But by the Chance of War
Foreword Indies
WINNER: “BOOK OF THE YEAR” AWARD
Nautilus Book Awards
WINNER: War and Military Category
eLit Book Awards
WINNER: Poetry Category
Eric Hoffer Montaigne Medal
FINALIST: “The Most Thought Provoking Book of the Year”
