The authors' intention was to use objects to understand how the Great War changed everyday life and ordinary things for all New Zealanders. War was present in shop windows, at railway stations, in every newspaper, at the pictures and dances.
But while objects provide a main thrust for this fine analysis of wartime existence both in this country and abroad, their description is skilfully enmeshed with the human dimension that breathed life into the multifarious articles which played so important a part every day.
The massive volunteer effort mobilised in New Zealand was aimed almost entirely at providing soldiers with socks and underwear, pyjamas and pillowcases, as well as collections of modest ''comforts'' such as writing paper, chocolate or small tins of food.
The authors point out a great many men and women carried notebooks, diaries and letters. The letters were sent and received as signs of life.
''We cannot all shoulder a rifle, But there is the spinning wheel!'' were lines from one of several wartime songs dedicated to the prodigious voluntary efforts of civilians.
The availability of factory-made knits at the turn of the century meant that at the outbreak of the Great War, most women did not know how to knit. But specially published books guided the needles of keen and patriotic novices.
As the authors explain, the book investigates the importance of objects in maintaining individual, family and community identities during the war.
There is happiness and, too often, great sadness in Holding On To Home.
Aiding and abetting the explanatory prose is a rich and varied selection of illustrations that make this publication a treasure indeed.
There is room for both the humble and the noble.
• Hunter is associate professor and head of the history programme at Victoria University, Wellington. Ross is curator modern New Zealand at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
They have produced a first-class publication. Clarke Isaacs is a former ODT chief of staff.
