First World War For Dummies by Se?n Lang

by Sean Lang

From the Somme to Gallipoli to the home front, "First World War For Dummies" provides an authoritative, accessible, and engaging introduction to the War to End All Wars. It takes a global perspective of this global conflict, proving insight into the actions and motivations of the participants and how each nation's story fits into the wider one.

Coverage also The origins of the war and a snapshot of what the world looked like at the beginning of the 20th centuryThe battles of Western Europe, and action in the Southern and Eastern FrontsThe war at home -- the civilian war, propaganda, opposition, politics, protests, and more 1918: The German spring offensive, the Allied success and the beginning of the endThe Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations, and the effect on the future

"First World War For Dummies" is the go-to source for readers seeking to learn more about the fundamental event of the 20th century.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military History, Audiobook, World War I

Paperback

First published April 17, 2014

Reviews

[Matthew Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully accessible and clear-eyed review of the events of the war and competing analyses about the causes, effects and personalities. Even-handed and authoritative.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book describing the First World War. Covers the causes of the war, what happened, and ongoing effects after the war was over.

The things I liked about this book:
** The author has a chatty style of writing, that's easy to understand and enjoyable to read. It feels like someone is talking to you. That made me what to read more and more.
** It describes what society was like at that time - how people lived - and the way the First World War changed that, permanently. At that time, the colonial powers still dominated many peoples across the world. There was also a strong class system controlling people's lives, and how people behaved. Racism was common.
** It's also very good at describing the political perspectives of the war.
** It describes how the war changed the world forever, and directly led to the world we live in today. For example, the role of women in the workforce (and in society in general), the eclipse of the power of aristocracy, the growing influence of the United States and declining influence of Europe, the colonial meddling that led to the friction that exists in the Middle East today.
** Very good in describing how the economic influences affected each countries ability to fight, and directly led to the collapse of countries, ending the war.
** Very clear descriptions of why the war ended.
** Very clear descriptions of the Allies' arrogant and bullying attitudes at the peace negotiations at the end of the war, and why this sowed the seeds of resentment from which the Second World War arose.
** Very good in describing the beginning of independence movements among the colonies.
** Acknowledges the wide variety of people involved in the war - much wider than other books mention. For example, troops from Africa and Asia.

This book gives very summarised accounts of what happened, but that is among its strengths. You don't have to knit together details in your head to get the overall theme - the author tells you.

This book doesn't give detailed descriptions of battles. So if that's what you're after, you'll probably want another book. However, this book will still give you a great outline of the context in which the battles happened.

What's the lasting benefit this book has had for me? Previously, I thought the First World War was of another age, long gone and with no connection to modern times. I now realise that the changes triggered by the war directly led to the world I live in now. It was really the start of the modern world.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written in simple terms and presentation. Having a Yugoslavian dad and an Italian mother, I was especially interested in my "native" countries roles and outcomes before, during and after WW1. The book and author again provided easy to understand information without getting deep in politics.
Recommended for anyone wanting a basic understanding of World War One.

[Juleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Dummies book I've ever made it all the way through! I figure since the Cheeto-in-Chief is probably going to get us into WWIII, I should learn my history and how we got involved in this debauchery before. I definitely learned a lot. I recommend this if you want to read up on our past so it doesn't become our very near future.

[Dani Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for work in preparation to coach an academic team and I really enjoyed it. I was able to breeze through it in a week (this includes taking notes). I believe that it will be helpful for my students as it was easy to read and presented information on all sides of the war. I did find it rather British heavy as Sean Lang must be from their, I'm assuming based on the spellings of certain words. But all in all it did a good job of hitting on key battles, people and facts of the war in clear and simple vocabulary.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve looked at war from both sides now

I’ve looked at war from both sides now.
From the trenches and from the sky.
I really do not know war at all.
That is until I read “First World War for Dummies” by Seán Lang

There are as many versions of the first ware war as there are people. Seán Lang attempts to give an overview without getting too bogged down with details. He assumes this is your starting place and tries to help dispel many misconceptions about the war.

[Јас Лично · Rating 4 out of 5]

This World War I book offers a detailed exploration of the conflict, delving into its military campaigns, political dynamics, and societal impacts with clarity and depth. The narrative is engaging and well-researched, providing a thorough understanding of major events and key figures. However, the book primarily focuses on Central and Western Europe, offering less coverage of the war's impact in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. While insightful, this narrower focus may leave readers seeking a more comprehensive global perspective on the war's complexities and consequences.

[Benjamin Barnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Chock full of information just very dry even as far as Dummies books go. Didn't actually help a Person understand the Very Hell like conditions everyone went tough

[Shishir · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book with many details covered. Gives context and perspectives on origin and repercussions

[Peter Ojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good reference material

[Monya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good explained

[Sandy Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

History buffs like me will enjoy learning about The Great War

[Antti · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't really work that well as an audio book.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of WWI. It's the tip of the iceberg of course, but a good place to start.

[Kevin (케빈) MKII · Rating 4 out of 5]

De Eerste Wereldoorlog voor Dummies biedt een boeiende beschrijving van de gebeurtenissen in de loopgravenoorlog, waarbij het zowel de zomer- als wintertijd benut om optimaal gebruik te maken van daglicht. Het belicht de opkomst van vrouwenemancipatie en toont het heroïsche en plichtsgetrouwe gedrag van soldaten, met een intrigerende kijk op hoe eer en plicht ook in de moderne tijd voorkomen. Het boek presenteert de geschiedenis zonder ideologische bias, maar onthult ook ongewone aspecten, zoals het verzamelen van tanden door Britse tandartsen voor kapitalistische doeleinden. Een fascinerende reis door een cruciale periode, waarin geschiedenis en menselijkheid samenkomen.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This helped me get my mind around so much of the world that many I’d the books I’ve been reading are set in. More detail than I probably needed, but so useful, and written in a very approachable way with bits of humor here and there.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very authoritative account of World War One. It is great for beginners or for those who want to refresh their memory on a complex but important subject. One chief complaint I have with the Kindle version of the book is that only the Parts section of the book are broken down, and not the chapters within the Parts. This is very irritating, especially, if you just want to go back to a particular chapter to review. I am not sure why the Kindle version was arranged that way, but making the individual chapters accessible from the Table of Contents only makes sense.

[Niall Whyte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic outline of the events leading up to, during and after the first world war.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to read. With a little humour (although it is a heavy subject the humour is never inappropriate) the First World War is excellent explained.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference for an adult who had not interest in the details until I develop a social conscience. War is hell, all of them.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Overview

Excellent timeline. Captures and depicts people, places and things very well. Will also be a great place to look if searching for references.

[Jette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erg handig als je de Eerste Wereldoorlog probeert te begrijpen. Het was jammer dat de bronnen in het midden van het boek zaten, zo las het lastig als er verwezen werd naar een bepaalde bron.