Alan John Percivale Taylor was an English historian of the 20th century and renowned academic who became well known to millions through his popular television lectures.
Very well-written book by possibly the greatest of the 20th Century historians. Disputes and debunks several long-held beliefs about the origins of WWI. This should be read slowly as there is a great deal of small pieces of vital information to digest. Of course the story begins with the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo; then the book deals with the diplomatic machinations of the rulers (monarchical and elected), Foreign Ministers, and Chiefs of Staff in Vienna, Berlin, St Petersburg, Paris, London, and of course Belgrade. All the alliances, diplomacy, even Monarchial family-ties designed to prevent such a catastrophe failed to deter. In the end, the crisis ran away from them despite their efforts.