Alex Calder

Professor Alex Calder, a noted academic from the University of Auckland, delves into the life of Alexander Aitken, a war veteran and mathematician. They explore Aitken's journey from personal reflections to the poignant memoir 'Gallipoli to the Somme.' The discussion highlights Aitken's struggles with mental health, the impact of war on literature, and the profound lessons of memory during battle. Calder critiques the superficiality of traditional war poetry and emphasizes the need for authentic narratives that capture the emotional complexities of soldiers' experiences.