'Wheels - The Fourth Cycle' Summary

The fourth volume of the 'Wheels' series, titled 'Wheels - The Fourth Cycle,' stands as a testament to the burgeoning literary landscape of post-World War I Britain. The volume compiles a selection of poems that capture the complexities of the era, marked by disillusionment and profound societal shifts. Owen's contributions are especially poignant, reflecting the brutal realities of trench warfare through verses that are stark and evocative. The Sitwell family, known for their avant-garde aesthetics, also provide their unique voice, adding to the anthology's diverse range of styles and themes. Aldous Huxley, still early in his literary career, contributes poems that reveal his developing mastery of language and his engagement with the social and philosophical concerns of the time. Other contributors, such as Francisco Quevedo, Arnold James, Iris Tree, and Sherard Vines, further enrich the anthology's tapestry, creating a complex and multi-layered literary experience. The anthology, therefore, stands as a valuable document of its time, capturing the voices and artistic sensibilities of a generation grappling with the aftermath of war and the uncertainties of a rapidly changing world.