Fear, or La Peur, is a lost classic of French war literature, addressing the reality of the experiences in the trenches and acknowledging the overwhelming emotion of the troops – that of fear. Based on Chevallier’s own experiences in World War I, it has never before been published in English.

‘A book of the utmost urgency and relevance’ according to John Berger, Fear was seen as seditious upon its publication in France, and has been unavailable for many years. It is now recognised as a classic of WWI literature.

The book tells the story of Jean Dartemont, a young man who is called up but refuses to follow his platoon. Eventually, he is injured and hospitalized, but regarded as a pariah for admitting to his fear.

Gabriel Chevallier is best known as the author of the successful Clochemerle, which was translated into 26 languages and sold several million copies.