Documents the stories of five young Harvard students who met different fates while serving in World War I, drawing on uncensored letters and memoirs to illuminate the impact of the conflict on the educated class of soldiers.

A rendezvous -- No place for a philosopher -- His death warrant -- The fiance -- Why don't we attack -- Be astonished -- Chasing the Indians -- The possibilities -- Damn this war -- Don't worry -- A man's job -- A most perfect friendship -- At the circus -- Orders is orders -- A very present existence -- A cold business -- The day before -- Don't tell him -- So much easier just to die -- As if he were still alive -- There was a war.