What do you think?
Rate this book
World War I
A vivid, comprehensive investigation of the causes, effects, and events of "The Great War" uses a wide variety of quotes from generals to privates, four hundred pictures, and twenty-six battle maps to convey its reality
- GenresHistory
256 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1980
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 16, 2017
This is about as authoritative an overview of the Great War as you're likely to get. The beautiful and harrowing images- from the fields of battle to garish propaganda posters- don't hurt, either. This is the second book by Ms. Everett I've read, and as with "Lost Berlin," I'm once again blown away by the rare images she's able to find.
The book is well-organized into chapters that can be digested in one sitting, and revisited from one's armchair from time to time (or passed down through the generations, since this book is formidable enough to last quite awhile). I consider myself fairly well-versed when it comes to the First World War, but there is always more to learn, and I found myself surprised by heretofore-unknown facts and quotes Ms. Everett dug up, for which I'm grateful. The descriptions of the air and sea campaigns were especial standouts, as was the section on the doomed Gallipoli fiasco (for which a young Winston Churchill was relieved of his command, fired for incompetence). The author also deserves a lot of credit for explaining very lucidly how the world order was reshaped by World War I (especially regarding America's position in international affairs) and how shouldering Germany with the "war guilt" clause and onerous reparations set the stage for another horrifying and multi-theater conflict that would occur roughly twenty years later.
The summarizing text and images are interleaved with poems (some from the tragic Wilfred Owen) and personal reminiscences and first hand account. Everett has proven herself peerless once again. Highest recommendation.
The book is well-organized into chapters that can be digested in one sitting, and revisited from one's armchair from time to time (or passed down through the generations, since this book is formidable enough to last quite awhile). I consider myself fairly well-versed when it comes to the First World War, but there is always more to learn, and I found myself surprised by heretofore-unknown facts and quotes Ms. Everett dug up, for which I'm grateful. The descriptions of the air and sea campaigns were especial standouts, as was the section on the doomed Gallipoli fiasco (for which a young Winston Churchill was relieved of his command, fired for incompetence). The author also deserves a lot of credit for explaining very lucidly how the world order was reshaped by World War I (especially regarding America's position in international affairs) and how shouldering Germany with the "war guilt" clause and onerous reparations set the stage for another horrifying and multi-theater conflict that would occur roughly twenty years later.
The summarizing text and images are interleaved with poems (some from the tragic Wilfred Owen) and personal reminiscences and first hand account. Everett has proven herself peerless once again. Highest recommendation.
May 30, 2011
Great historical photos.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews