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The Killing Season: The Autumn of 1914, Ypres, and the Afternoon That Cost Germany a War
An in-depth, authoritative account of the First Battle of Ypres, an early turning point in World War I that irrevocably changed the course of modern warfare—by the founding editor of Military History Quarterly
The Marne may have saved Paris and prevented a humiliating defeat for the Allies, but it did not spell eventual defeat for Germany. Ypres did.
The final months of 1914 were the bloodiest interval in a famously bloody war, truly a killing season. They ended in the First Battle of Ypres, a struggle whose importance has been too long overlooked, until now. Robert Cowley’s fresh, novelistic account of this crucial period describes how German armies in France were poised to sweep north to capture the Channel ports and knock England out of the war. Would France then be next? What changed everything, and what the Germans did not count on, was a brilliant surprise improvisation by a cobbled-together handful of British troops. It was a demonstration characterized as “the strength of despair.”
Weaving together a wide array of source materials, with rich descriptions of the Belgian landscape and sharp portrayals of both leaders and the men they led, Cowley explores the dismal failures of commanders who had never been under fire as well as the determination of Albert of Belgium, the world's last warrior king, to preserve what remained of his nation. We follow the unlikely progress of French General Ferdinand Foch, the former professor of military science, who actually practiced what he taught. At the lower ranks, too, memorable characters include Hendrik Geeraert, the alcoholic barge keeper, who emerged to mastermind what was literally Albert’s last ditch effort, and Sir John French, the British commander, who displayed his greatest talent for maneuver in the bedroom. And here is a young Adolf Hitler, who received a formative experience at Ypres, and Winston Churchill, who showed up uninvited at the siege of Antwerp and bought the time that may have saved the Allies.
The vast brawl of four armies in Flanders was not only a turning point but one that irrevocably changed the nature of modern warfare. In this visceral account, based on thirty years of research and picking up where Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August left off, Robert Cowley details the crucial decisions and twists of fate that set the course of the Great War.
The Marne may have saved Paris and prevented a humiliating defeat for the Allies, but it did not spell eventual defeat for Germany. Ypres did.
The final months of 1914 were the bloodiest interval in a famously bloody war, truly a killing season. They ended in the First Battle of Ypres, a struggle whose importance has been too long overlooked, until now. Robert Cowley’s fresh, novelistic account of this crucial period describes how German armies in France were poised to sweep north to capture the Channel ports and knock England out of the war. Would France then be next? What changed everything, and what the Germans did not count on, was a brilliant surprise improvisation by a cobbled-together handful of British troops. It was a demonstration characterized as “the strength of despair.”
Weaving together a wide array of source materials, with rich descriptions of the Belgian landscape and sharp portrayals of both leaders and the men they led, Cowley explores the dismal failures of commanders who had never been under fire as well as the determination of Albert of Belgium, the world's last warrior king, to preserve what remained of his nation. We follow the unlikely progress of French General Ferdinand Foch, the former professor of military science, who actually practiced what he taught. At the lower ranks, too, memorable characters include Hendrik Geeraert, the alcoholic barge keeper, who emerged to mastermind what was literally Albert’s last ditch effort, and Sir John French, the British commander, who displayed his greatest talent for maneuver in the bedroom. And here is a young Adolf Hitler, who received a formative experience at Ypres, and Winston Churchill, who showed up uninvited at the siege of Antwerp and bought the time that may have saved the Allies.
The vast brawl of four armies in Flanders was not only a turning point but one that irrevocably changed the nature of modern warfare. In this visceral account, based on thirty years of research and picking up where Barbara Tuchman’s The Guns of August left off, Robert Cowley details the crucial decisions and twists of fate that set the course of the Great War.
752 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2025
55 people are currently reading
3238 people want to read
About the author
Robert Cowley
128 books51 followersRobert Cowley is an American military historian, who writes on topics in American and European military history ranging from the Civil War through World War II. He has held several senior positions in book and magazine publishing and is the founding editor of the award-winning MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History; Cowley has also written extensively and edited three collections of essays in counterfactual history known as What If?
As part of his research he has traveled the entire length of the Western Front, from the North Sea to the Swiss Border.
He currently lives in New York and Connecticut.
-Wikipedia
As part of his research he has traveled the entire length of the Western Front, from the North Sea to the Swiss Border.
He currently lives in New York and Connecticut.
-Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 18, 2025
This is a slow but extremely interesting history of the first couple of months of WWI. There have been such excellent reviews already posted that I cannot add much to them. So I will, instead, list things that were important about this time or at least important to me.
*The commanding officers of both the British and the French were elderly men who were still using outdated strategies.
*Men attacked in straight lines, shoulder to shoulder and were mowed down like wheat in the field.
*The use of artillery, of which the Germans were more advanced, became an important weapon.
*Trench warfare came into being in full force.
*The British and French demanded offense rather than defense even in situations where retreat was imperative.
*The Cavalry was still using horses and swords which were totally ineffective.
We have to remember that this was in the first three months of the War and some of the items listed above were abandoned (except for trenches). The book was quite informative but I had one complaint which kept it from getting five star. The author included every skirmish that took place during this time, some of which were mere side notes to the main battles. And it slowed the book down to a crawl sometimes. Regardless, I would recommend it to any student of WWI.
*The commanding officers of both the British and the French were elderly men who were still using outdated strategies.
*Men attacked in straight lines, shoulder to shoulder and were mowed down like wheat in the field.
*The use of artillery, of which the Germans were more advanced, became an important weapon.
*Trench warfare came into being in full force.
*The British and French demanded offense rather than defense even in situations where retreat was imperative.
*The Cavalry was still using horses and swords which were totally ineffective.
We have to remember that this was in the first three months of the War and some of the items listed above were abandoned (except for trenches). The book was quite informative but I had one complaint which kept it from getting five star. The author included every skirmish that took place during this time, some of which were mere side notes to the main battles. And it slowed the book down to a crawl sometimes. Regardless, I would recommend it to any student of WWI.
July 6, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Cowley, and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Always eager to tackle books by authors new to me, I eagerly accepted this tome about the early part of the Great War. Robert Cowley delivers a great reading experience for those who are curious about the early part of the Great War and how Germany may have bungled things in the opening months, with focus on Belgium, as well as the great powers who fought in the region. Crowley delivers not only a thorough explanation of events, but a detailed account of the war effort, including all essential actors. Crowley makes his own presumptions, supported by ample fact, and keeps the reader in the middle of a great analysis. I could not ask for more of this stellar tome!
Robert Crowley enters this great tome on the Great War arguing that Germany was headed for defeat in the opening months. It was not a long and arduous tactic battle that did them in, but the skirmish at Ypres. He lays the groundwork for this throughout this piece, focusing on the bloody opening months of battle in 1914, events that would seal Germany’s fate.
Cowley’s effectively recounts the moving parts of this crucial time and how German armies could not close the deal in France, an area they were destined to capture on their way to securing the Channel. By doing so, they would have kept the English out and been able to run things effectively on the mainland.
Instead, Germany ignored the signals and entered the First Battle of Ypres ill-prepared for what awaited them and the Belgian people. A ragtag group of British soldiers led the way to battle against the Germans, whose war plans were so textbook and out of date, they could not evolve on the fly. As the French joined the push in Belgium, cracks began to show and the Germans were no longer the powerhouse they purported to be.
While the war would last four years, it was this period in the early stages that would set the scene. The inability to lock down Belgium, thereby trapping the French and keeping the English from arriving on the continent, helped turn the tables early and set the stage for long term disaster, argues Cowley. While it was not swift, it was pronounced and would surely be an early turning point. A brilliant recounting of the early parts of the Great War. Robert Cowley is on point throughout!
While to love war is a little macabre, I do enjoy reading about the Great War. It was strategic and required planning, rather than slaughtering for the sake of race or ethnicity, as things have become now. Robert Cowley pens this sensational read that had me so eager to learn from the opening pages. Pulling on a vast number of sources and perspectives, Cowley sheds light on the whole story, rather than the telling of the victors. He brings life to Belgium and its importance in the war, even if it might not have been a military powerhouse. Chapters push the piece along and provide great context for the reader to learn and follow progress. I can see Cowley’s points with ease while never succumbing entirely to simply believing everything he writes ‘just because’. He is able to convince me if the importance and kept me enthralled until the very end. I cannot wait to read more from Cowley soon!
Kudos, Mr. Cowley, for a strong depiction of the Great War.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Always eager to tackle books by authors new to me, I eagerly accepted this tome about the early part of the Great War. Robert Cowley delivers a great reading experience for those who are curious about the early part of the Great War and how Germany may have bungled things in the opening months, with focus on Belgium, as well as the great powers who fought in the region. Crowley delivers not only a thorough explanation of events, but a detailed account of the war effort, including all essential actors. Crowley makes his own presumptions, supported by ample fact, and keeps the reader in the middle of a great analysis. I could not ask for more of this stellar tome!
Robert Crowley enters this great tome on the Great War arguing that Germany was headed for defeat in the opening months. It was not a long and arduous tactic battle that did them in, but the skirmish at Ypres. He lays the groundwork for this throughout this piece, focusing on the bloody opening months of battle in 1914, events that would seal Germany’s fate.
Cowley’s effectively recounts the moving parts of this crucial time and how German armies could not close the deal in France, an area they were destined to capture on their way to securing the Channel. By doing so, they would have kept the English out and been able to run things effectively on the mainland.
Instead, Germany ignored the signals and entered the First Battle of Ypres ill-prepared for what awaited them and the Belgian people. A ragtag group of British soldiers led the way to battle against the Germans, whose war plans were so textbook and out of date, they could not evolve on the fly. As the French joined the push in Belgium, cracks began to show and the Germans were no longer the powerhouse they purported to be.
While the war would last four years, it was this period in the early stages that would set the scene. The inability to lock down Belgium, thereby trapping the French and keeping the English from arriving on the continent, helped turn the tables early and set the stage for long term disaster, argues Cowley. While it was not swift, it was pronounced and would surely be an early turning point. A brilliant recounting of the early parts of the Great War. Robert Cowley is on point throughout!
While to love war is a little macabre, I do enjoy reading about the Great War. It was strategic and required planning, rather than slaughtering for the sake of race or ethnicity, as things have become now. Robert Cowley pens this sensational read that had me so eager to learn from the opening pages. Pulling on a vast number of sources and perspectives, Cowley sheds light on the whole story, rather than the telling of the victors. He brings life to Belgium and its importance in the war, even if it might not have been a military powerhouse. Chapters push the piece along and provide great context for the reader to learn and follow progress. I can see Cowley’s points with ease while never succumbing entirely to simply believing everything he writes ‘just because’. He is able to convince me if the importance and kept me enthralled until the very end. I cannot wait to read more from Cowley soon!
Kudos, Mr. Cowley, for a strong depiction of the Great War.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 18, 2025
A little slow at times but still a good read. Crowley's description of the topography is top notch.
August 27, 2025
I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about the Second World War but when it comes to the First World War I admit I have a much shakier grasp on the subject! Thanks to the Killing Season, I feel as though I can more clearly understand why the war took the trajectory that it took. Cowley was able to bring to life those first months of the war and break down in an easy to follow and understand manner why the stage was set for Germany’s defeat so early on. It was a very digestible read on a very dense subject matter. If you’re interested in military history, this is a must read!
September 22, 2025
The Killing Season by Robert Cowley was a most interesting read. Mr. Cowley, the founding editor of MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History, gives us an in-depth look at the first months of World War One.
I am relatively new to the genre of detailed military history but understand the allure of such a deep inspection of the formative battles that started the “war to end all wars.”
The best part was the beautiful use of language: “To the west, the marshes rose into thick woods; to the east, into down lands chalky and bar. A long, low ridge occupied the south, a final barrier before a flat and featureless expanse, the steppes of France, the vast plain of the Aubrey, where the southern horizon disappears into the haze of distance.” The settings were evocatively painted each time. He also wrote with humor: “We will leave Foch with a last word (he was never short of them)”. Or: “Oud-Stuivekenskerke that possibly had fewer inhabitants than letters in its name.” Mr. Cowley has a gift with words not usually associated with historical writing.
Mr. Cowley expounds on the details of the battles and the changes taking place with men, armaments, even medical advances associated with this war. We are introduced to the citizens impacted by the battles taking place around them. We meet the local heroes who knew the water ways and how to control the flood gates which impacted the battle grounds. Maybe none of this is new information, but it is a well crafted narrative and serves to enlighten the reader.
The book was more character study than many history books. Mr. Cowley made good use of well-known characters such as the soon to be foes, Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler. We are also introduced to lesser known characters such as Peter Kollwitz, immortalized by his sculptor mother. His quick death is a poignant representation of the lives lost on both sides.
The Killing Season is a deep dive into the first months of WW1 and the First Battle of Ypres. It is well researched and sourced. Sometimes it can feel too deep, but that is the purpose of this book. The market may be niche, but to that market it is a worthy read. And, to be fair, he himself states: “If events are sometimes hard to follow, it is because they involved so many small and frequently disconnected struggles within the main one”.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those with an interest in the subject. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance readers copy.
I am relatively new to the genre of detailed military history but understand the allure of such a deep inspection of the formative battles that started the “war to end all wars.”
The best part was the beautiful use of language: “To the west, the marshes rose into thick woods; to the east, into down lands chalky and bar. A long, low ridge occupied the south, a final barrier before a flat and featureless expanse, the steppes of France, the vast plain of the Aubrey, where the southern horizon disappears into the haze of distance.” The settings were evocatively painted each time. He also wrote with humor: “We will leave Foch with a last word (he was never short of them)”. Or: “Oud-Stuivekenskerke that possibly had fewer inhabitants than letters in its name.” Mr. Cowley has a gift with words not usually associated with historical writing.
Mr. Cowley expounds on the details of the battles and the changes taking place with men, armaments, even medical advances associated with this war. We are introduced to the citizens impacted by the battles taking place around them. We meet the local heroes who knew the water ways and how to control the flood gates which impacted the battle grounds. Maybe none of this is new information, but it is a well crafted narrative and serves to enlighten the reader.
The book was more character study than many history books. Mr. Cowley made good use of well-known characters such as the soon to be foes, Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler. We are also introduced to lesser known characters such as Peter Kollwitz, immortalized by his sculptor mother. His quick death is a poignant representation of the lives lost on both sides.
The Killing Season is a deep dive into the first months of WW1 and the First Battle of Ypres. It is well researched and sourced. Sometimes it can feel too deep, but that is the purpose of this book. The market may be niche, but to that market it is a worthy read. And, to be fair, he himself states: “If events are sometimes hard to follow, it is because they involved so many small and frequently disconnected struggles within the main one”.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to those with an interest in the subject. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance readers copy.
October 11, 2025
Thank you to both NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!
This book was dense, I won’t deny it, and it took me a while to make it through, but the author did an amazing job packing so much information into the book while keeping it an enjoyable read (despite the grim topic, which could easily have worn readers down).
Cowley manages to convey the sheer absurdity of scale faced on the Western Front of the Great War before trench warfare truly became a fixture, without losing sight of the human scale; the book is replete with individual stories of heroism, failure, pomposity, rivalries, and all the foibles that built upon each other – the thousands of small decisions that made up the end result that was the stalemate at Ypres.
Cowley also does a phenomenal job of reminding readers that while it is easy to look back and say this style of warfare looked wasteful and foolish, many of the generals in charge had little control over the situation and were constantly trying different methods to force a breakthrough (though he doesn’t hesitate to point out the many mediocre or worse generals who lavishly did waste lives for a breakthrough once it became clear the moment had passed).
Highly recommend!
This book was dense, I won’t deny it, and it took me a while to make it through, but the author did an amazing job packing so much information into the book while keeping it an enjoyable read (despite the grim topic, which could easily have worn readers down).
Cowley manages to convey the sheer absurdity of scale faced on the Western Front of the Great War before trench warfare truly became a fixture, without losing sight of the human scale; the book is replete with individual stories of heroism, failure, pomposity, rivalries, and all the foibles that built upon each other – the thousands of small decisions that made up the end result that was the stalemate at Ypres.
Cowley also does a phenomenal job of reminding readers that while it is easy to look back and say this style of warfare looked wasteful and foolish, many of the generals in charge had little control over the situation and were constantly trying different methods to force a breakthrough (though he doesn’t hesitate to point out the many mediocre or worse generals who lavishly did waste lives for a breakthrough once it became clear the moment had passed).
Highly recommend!
November 5, 2025
I wanted to begin by saying how much I enjoyed Cowley’s The Killing Season. In his introduction, Cowley notes that he picks up where Tuchman left off in The Guns of August, and he succeeds in doing so with admirable focus. Cowley does a remarkable job humanizing the men who made the decisions that ultimately led to the slaughter of a generation of France, Britain, and Germany’s brightest minds. My reviews are primarily for my own future reflection, but if you’ve found your way here, I hope this proves useful. I consider The Killing Season a must-read for anyone seeking to “dig in” to the opening stages of the Great War.
Let’s start with something often overlooked in other texts: the German obsession with the Schlieffen Plan. By August 1914, Schlieffen and his plan had attained an almost mythical status within the German high command. It became the plan for Germany’s survival. Any thought of discarding or revising it ran entirely counter to the German military ethos. Moltke made small modifications, heavily analyzed ever since, but it was still the plan. Pair this with the intimidation of serving under a saber-rattling, ultra-nationalist Kaiser, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Cowley also brings a more human element to the man who pulled the “lever,” Moltke. With so many consequential figures and events in the war’s opening weeks, it’s easy to lose sight of the human element. I appreciated Cowley’s attention to Moltke’s health, mental strain, and the immense stressors that plagued these largely inexperienced actors. The utter failure of command to understand the battlefield, communicate orders, interpret and project troop movements, and organize basic logistics all contributed to the protracted conflict.
Cowley captures with great imagery the slaughter of an entire generation of German youth. The tragedy is not simply in the scale of loss but in its cultural implications. Germany’s brightest minds—its poets, musicians, engineers, and students—were fed into the trenches at Ypres. The war didn’t just decimate armies, it hollowed out a nation’s intellectual and creative core. You can almost consider it a cultural extinction.
Another brief “a-ha!” moment for me, absent from many other works, involves the transition from the war of movement to trench warfare. There are many early moments that leave you wondering, “Why didn’t the Germans just keep going? Why stop now?” For the Germans in particular, one thing I hadn’t considered was the perceived safety of the trench. “Safety” might be a disingenuous term, but after the continuous slaughter of men going over the top, the trench became a kind of psychological refuge. This perceived safety net made troops and commanders alike apprehensive about overextending their gains. They were aggressive, but not aggressive enough. There were moments of breakthrough, but these quickly devolved into disorder. “What do we do now? We’re exposed outside our lines; we’d better retreat before enemy reinforcements arrive.” Yet those reinforcements often didn’t exist. Every hour seemed filled with missed opportunities on both sides. Commanders would perish on the battlefield, leaving the infantry clueless. The German command structure in particular did not foster promotions. The rigid order taking culture was a hinderance once all of the decision makers were killed.
Another recurring theme is the Entente’s lack of a unified command structure. The allies were often fighting beside one another rather than with one another. Communication, strategy, and coordination were largely absent. French and British commanders, each answering to their own governments and national priorities, often made decisions in isolation. Cowley’s analysis of this dysfunction helps explain how the early months devolved into chaos, why so many opportunities were missed, and why the “race to the sea” ended not in victory but in mud and exhaustion.
The flooding of the Flanders fields becomes both a tactical act and a haunting symbol. Belgian engineers opened the sluices to halt the German advance, sacrificing farmland and homes to create a sea of mud. Cowley describes the resulting landscape with vivid imagery, men drowning in what had once been fields of harvest. It is a reminder of the extremes nations would resort to in this new kind of warfare, where the land itself became both weapon and victim.
Digging in changed warfare almost immediately. Cavalry became obsolete. Cloth caps offered no protection from shrapnel. Bayonets were cumbersome in confined combat. Machine guns, once dismissed as too bulky and unreliable, became king once the trenches appeared. From there came the rapid development of grenades, poison gas, armor, aerial reconnaissance, tanks, and new attack strategies. The old manual on waging war no longer applied; it was being rewritten in real time. These battlefields became killing laboratories. Cowley’s characterization of this transformation is perfect.
Cowley also summarizes the devastating contrast between the full frontal assaults and the idea of precision, limited-sector attacks. The early months of the war were dominated by the former, mass waves of infantry thrown at fortified positions in the belief that courage and numbers could overcome machine guns and artillery. The results were predictably catastrophic. It would take countless lives before generals understood that the age of Napoleonic valor had ended. The evolution toward localized, coordinated assaults would come too late for those lost in 1914.
The rapid mobilization of 1914 placed men in positions of command who had never experienced modern warfare. Their understanding of combat was rooted in outdated drills and peacetime maneuvers. Cowley depicts these figures not simply as villains but as tragic products of their institutions, men unprepared for the industrialized slaughter they were asked to direct. Their rigid adherence to theory, paired with their inability to adapt, increased the human cost of every decision. Once these men were expended on the battlefield, no one was there to replace them.
Underlying it all is the force of German nationalism, a pathological need for European recognition and dominance. Cowley traces how this collective mindset, nurtured since unification in 1871, evolved into a fatal arrogance by 1914. The Schlieffen Plan itself can be read as an expression of this national psyche: a belief that speed, discipline, and willpower could overcome any obstacle. It would also not lend any PR favors as Germany tried to win the support of nations on the sidelines. Cowley’s analysis reveals how this obsession blinded the German command to the realities of modern warfare and ensured that, once the plan faltered, the empire would falter with it.
In the end, The Killing Season is excellent. It refuses to treat the opening battles of the Great War as mere prelude. Cowley restores consequence to those early weeks, revealing how decisions made in 1914 shaped every horror that followed. Revealing that Germany really did lose the war that fall afternoon as the British held on by their eyelids. This work stands as both an essential study and a sobering reminder of how quickly the modern world learned to destroy itself.
Let’s start with something often overlooked in other texts: the German obsession with the Schlieffen Plan. By August 1914, Schlieffen and his plan had attained an almost mythical status within the German high command. It became the plan for Germany’s survival. Any thought of discarding or revising it ran entirely counter to the German military ethos. Moltke made small modifications, heavily analyzed ever since, but it was still the plan. Pair this with the intimidation of serving under a saber-rattling, ultra-nationalist Kaiser, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Cowley also brings a more human element to the man who pulled the “lever,” Moltke. With so many consequential figures and events in the war’s opening weeks, it’s easy to lose sight of the human element. I appreciated Cowley’s attention to Moltke’s health, mental strain, and the immense stressors that plagued these largely inexperienced actors. The utter failure of command to understand the battlefield, communicate orders, interpret and project troop movements, and organize basic logistics all contributed to the protracted conflict.
Cowley captures with great imagery the slaughter of an entire generation of German youth. The tragedy is not simply in the scale of loss but in its cultural implications. Germany’s brightest minds—its poets, musicians, engineers, and students—were fed into the trenches at Ypres. The war didn’t just decimate armies, it hollowed out a nation’s intellectual and creative core. You can almost consider it a cultural extinction.
Another brief “a-ha!” moment for me, absent from many other works, involves the transition from the war of movement to trench warfare. There are many early moments that leave you wondering, “Why didn’t the Germans just keep going? Why stop now?” For the Germans in particular, one thing I hadn’t considered was the perceived safety of the trench. “Safety” might be a disingenuous term, but after the continuous slaughter of men going over the top, the trench became a kind of psychological refuge. This perceived safety net made troops and commanders alike apprehensive about overextending their gains. They were aggressive, but not aggressive enough. There were moments of breakthrough, but these quickly devolved into disorder. “What do we do now? We’re exposed outside our lines; we’d better retreat before enemy reinforcements arrive.” Yet those reinforcements often didn’t exist. Every hour seemed filled with missed opportunities on both sides. Commanders would perish on the battlefield, leaving the infantry clueless. The German command structure in particular did not foster promotions. The rigid order taking culture was a hinderance once all of the decision makers were killed.
Another recurring theme is the Entente’s lack of a unified command structure. The allies were often fighting beside one another rather than with one another. Communication, strategy, and coordination were largely absent. French and British commanders, each answering to their own governments and national priorities, often made decisions in isolation. Cowley’s analysis of this dysfunction helps explain how the early months devolved into chaos, why so many opportunities were missed, and why the “race to the sea” ended not in victory but in mud and exhaustion.
The flooding of the Flanders fields becomes both a tactical act and a haunting symbol. Belgian engineers opened the sluices to halt the German advance, sacrificing farmland and homes to create a sea of mud. Cowley describes the resulting landscape with vivid imagery, men drowning in what had once been fields of harvest. It is a reminder of the extremes nations would resort to in this new kind of warfare, where the land itself became both weapon and victim.
Digging in changed warfare almost immediately. Cavalry became obsolete. Cloth caps offered no protection from shrapnel. Bayonets were cumbersome in confined combat. Machine guns, once dismissed as too bulky and unreliable, became king once the trenches appeared. From there came the rapid development of grenades, poison gas, armor, aerial reconnaissance, tanks, and new attack strategies. The old manual on waging war no longer applied; it was being rewritten in real time. These battlefields became killing laboratories. Cowley’s characterization of this transformation is perfect.
Cowley also summarizes the devastating contrast between the full frontal assaults and the idea of precision, limited-sector attacks. The early months of the war were dominated by the former, mass waves of infantry thrown at fortified positions in the belief that courage and numbers could overcome machine guns and artillery. The results were predictably catastrophic. It would take countless lives before generals understood that the age of Napoleonic valor had ended. The evolution toward localized, coordinated assaults would come too late for those lost in 1914.
The rapid mobilization of 1914 placed men in positions of command who had never experienced modern warfare. Their understanding of combat was rooted in outdated drills and peacetime maneuvers. Cowley depicts these figures not simply as villains but as tragic products of their institutions, men unprepared for the industrialized slaughter they were asked to direct. Their rigid adherence to theory, paired with their inability to adapt, increased the human cost of every decision. Once these men were expended on the battlefield, no one was there to replace them.
Underlying it all is the force of German nationalism, a pathological need for European recognition and dominance. Cowley traces how this collective mindset, nurtured since unification in 1871, evolved into a fatal arrogance by 1914. The Schlieffen Plan itself can be read as an expression of this national psyche: a belief that speed, discipline, and willpower could overcome any obstacle. It would also not lend any PR favors as Germany tried to win the support of nations on the sidelines. Cowley’s analysis reveals how this obsession blinded the German command to the realities of modern warfare and ensured that, once the plan faltered, the empire would falter with it.
In the end, The Killing Season is excellent. It refuses to treat the opening battles of the Great War as mere prelude. Cowley restores consequence to those early weeks, revealing how decisions made in 1914 shaped every horror that followed. Revealing that Germany really did lose the war that fall afternoon as the British held on by their eyelids. This work stands as both an essential study and a sobering reminder of how quickly the modern world learned to destroy itself.
December 9, 2024
An extensive and well-written history of the first few months of the Great War in Europe. The author portrays both the battles and the characters effectively with gripping prose. His mastery of the topic is apparent. At times the book the difficult to put down because of the effective tension created by the author. Would recommend this book to anyone interested in military history and would definitely read another title by this author.
February 4, 2025
An Advanced Review Copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
Introduction:
"The Killing Season: The Autumn of 1914, Ypres, and the Afternoon That Cost Germany a War" by Robert Cowley is a meticulously researched and engagingly written account of one of the pivotal moments in World War I. This book delves into the First Battle of Ypres, an event that significantly altered the trajectory of the conflict and the nature of modern warfare itself. Cowley, with his background as the founding editor of MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History, brings a depth of understanding and a narrative flair to this critical period of history.
Summary:
Cowley's narrative begins where Barbara Tuchman's "The Guns of August" left off, focusing on the intense and bloody battles in the autumn of 1914. The book explores how the German forces, after their failure at the Marne, aimed to capture the Channel ports, potentially knocking England out of the war. However, this plan was thwarted by the unexpected resistance from a hastily assembled group of British, French, and Belgian troops during the First Battle of Ypres. Cowley paints a vivid picture of the desperation, the heroism, and the strategic improvisations that characterized this "killing season," highlighting how these events set the stage for the prolonged and brutal trench warfare that would define the rest of the conflict.
Quoted Passages:
"The Marne may have saved Paris and prevented a devastating setback for the Allies, but it did not spell eventual defeat for Germany. Ypres did." - This passage underscores the significance of the Battle of Ypres in the broader context of the war.
"German armies in France were poised to sweep north to capture the Channel ports and knock England out of the war—and were only held back by a brilliant improvisation from a cobbled-together handful of desperate British, French, and Belgian troops." - Here, Cowley captures the critical moment of improvisation and bravery that turned the tide.
"We follow the unlikely progress of French General Ferdinand Foch, the former professor of military science, who actually practiced what he taught." - This quote introduces one of the key figures whose strategic decisions played a crucial role.
"And here is a young Adolf Hitler, who received a formative experience at Ypres, and Winston Churchill, who showed up uninvited at the siege of Antwerp and bought the time that may have saved the Allies." - Cowley not only narrates the military aspect but also connects the battle to the future leaders who would shape world history.
"The vast brawl of four armies in Flanders was not only a turning point but one that irrevocably changed the nature of modern warfare." - This statement emphasizes the battle's long-term impact on military strategy.
Ratings Breakdown:
Historical Accuracy: 5/5 - Cowley's reputation in military history and his extensive research ensure a factual and nuanced recounting of events.
Writing Style: 4/5 - The author's novelistic approach makes the historical narrative engaging, though some might find the style occasionally veering into sensationalism.
Depth of Analysis: 5/5 - The book goes beyond mere recounting of events, offering deep insights into military strategy, leadership, and the human cost of war.
Character Development: 4/5 - The portrayal of military leaders and lesser-known figures adds depth, though some characters remain sketches due to the broad scope of the narrative.
Overall Impact: 4.5/5 - The book stands out for its contribution to understanding a crucial but often overlooked aspect of WWI, making it essential reading for military history enthusiasts.
Conclusion:
"The Killing Season" by Robert Cowley is an authoritative and compelling narrative that successfully captures the essence of a battle that changed the course of World War I. Through detailed accounts, strategic analysis, and human stories, Cowley brings to life the chaos and courage of this pivotal moment. While the book might not delve deeply into every individual's story due to its broad scope, it excels in illustrating how the First Battle of Ypres was not just a military event but a transformative moment in modern warfare. This work is highly recommended for those looking to understand the complexities and the human elements of one of history's most significant conflicts.
Introduction:
"The Killing Season: The Autumn of 1914, Ypres, and the Afternoon That Cost Germany a War" by Robert Cowley is a meticulously researched and engagingly written account of one of the pivotal moments in World War I. This book delves into the First Battle of Ypres, an event that significantly altered the trajectory of the conflict and the nature of modern warfare itself. Cowley, with his background as the founding editor of MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History, brings a depth of understanding and a narrative flair to this critical period of history.
Summary:
Cowley's narrative begins where Barbara Tuchman's "The Guns of August" left off, focusing on the intense and bloody battles in the autumn of 1914. The book explores how the German forces, after their failure at the Marne, aimed to capture the Channel ports, potentially knocking England out of the war. However, this plan was thwarted by the unexpected resistance from a hastily assembled group of British, French, and Belgian troops during the First Battle of Ypres. Cowley paints a vivid picture of the desperation, the heroism, and the strategic improvisations that characterized this "killing season," highlighting how these events set the stage for the prolonged and brutal trench warfare that would define the rest of the conflict.
Quoted Passages:
"The Marne may have saved Paris and prevented a devastating setback for the Allies, but it did not spell eventual defeat for Germany. Ypres did." - This passage underscores the significance of the Battle of Ypres in the broader context of the war.
"German armies in France were poised to sweep north to capture the Channel ports and knock England out of the war—and were only held back by a brilliant improvisation from a cobbled-together handful of desperate British, French, and Belgian troops." - Here, Cowley captures the critical moment of improvisation and bravery that turned the tide.
"We follow the unlikely progress of French General Ferdinand Foch, the former professor of military science, who actually practiced what he taught." - This quote introduces one of the key figures whose strategic decisions played a crucial role.
"And here is a young Adolf Hitler, who received a formative experience at Ypres, and Winston Churchill, who showed up uninvited at the siege of Antwerp and bought the time that may have saved the Allies." - Cowley not only narrates the military aspect but also connects the battle to the future leaders who would shape world history.
"The vast brawl of four armies in Flanders was not only a turning point but one that irrevocably changed the nature of modern warfare." - This statement emphasizes the battle's long-term impact on military strategy.
Ratings Breakdown:
Historical Accuracy: 5/5 - Cowley's reputation in military history and his extensive research ensure a factual and nuanced recounting of events.
Writing Style: 4/5 - The author's novelistic approach makes the historical narrative engaging, though some might find the style occasionally veering into sensationalism.
Depth of Analysis: 5/5 - The book goes beyond mere recounting of events, offering deep insights into military strategy, leadership, and the human cost of war.
Character Development: 4/5 - The portrayal of military leaders and lesser-known figures adds depth, though some characters remain sketches due to the broad scope of the narrative.
Overall Impact: 4.5/5 - The book stands out for its contribution to understanding a crucial but often overlooked aspect of WWI, making it essential reading for military history enthusiasts.
Conclusion:
"The Killing Season" by Robert Cowley is an authoritative and compelling narrative that successfully captures the essence of a battle that changed the course of World War I. Through detailed accounts, strategic analysis, and human stories, Cowley brings to life the chaos and courage of this pivotal moment. While the book might not delve deeply into every individual's story due to its broad scope, it excels in illustrating how the First Battle of Ypres was not just a military event but a transformative moment in modern warfare. This work is highly recommended for those looking to understand the complexities and the human elements of one of history's most significant conflicts.
July 12, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House for an advance copy of this history book that tells of a battle in the First World War where so much was decided, the tactics, the advances in killing both civilians and fighting men, and how the outcome of the war could have been remarkably different, changing the history of the 20th century.
History in my school usually stopped after the Second World War, maybe touch on the 50's, but it didn't matter what age, or even if it was honors, or AP, we never seemed to get too far past 1945. Not that we covered World War I much, either. A archduke was killed, Europe went to war, things happened, America entered, the end. World War One was much more than that. This was a war that many wanted to happen, and when it did became powerless for them both to stop, and it seemed to win. Plans were drawn and deviation seemed impossible, no matter that the way they had planned had changed due to technology, and the will to fight. I have read quite a few books on the War to End all Wars, but few have touched me, made me think, nor have made me as mad at the people involved as this book. Looking at a battle that seemed could be called a hinge of history in the war, this book tells so much more. About arrogance, ignorance, loyalty, patriotism, and a willingness not only to die for a cause, but to let entire generation die out of pride. The Killing Season: The Autumn of 1914, Ypres, and the Afternoon That Cost Germany a War by Robert Cowley looks at the First Battle of Ypres, a battle that could have changed the history of the 20th century, and maybe the lives of so many soldiers on all sides.
The book begins in the past, explaining the sides, Germany, France, Belgium, England and others and the moments and ideas that brought this nations to not only wanting a war, but needing a war. The German plan was to invade the West, win a quick victory, and turn their efforts to the East. Even if the West wasn't really interested in war. Cowley looks at the many players, the Generals who planned the war, the men who fought in it, and the politicians who seemed almost gleeful, until the numbers of casualties starting rolling in. Cowley follows the wars beginnings, spending much time in Belgium, covering the slaughter of civilians, the destruction of libraries and universities, towns that had lasted since the Middle Ages destroyed in hours. All moving to the First Battle of Ypres where Belgians, English, French and German clashed, along with the advancing technologies in Maxim guns, mortar, aeroplanes and gas.
I have read quite a few books on World War One. Most even now have a bit of Boy's Own Adventure to them. Cavalry fighting with swords, the Knights of the Air, massed charges into machine guns. Cowley is definitely not that kind of writer. Cowley can set a scene, give the facts needed to understand why things are happening, and write passages that make one really feel what it was like to be under fire. Or watch a library burn. Or see brave men with little training give their lives. Every page is loaded with information, about war, about sea locks, about mud. This is a large book but at no point did I feel that I was being lectured to, or feed a line about how much fun this gallant war was. Cowley keeps everything real. So real that even a hundred years later I am mad at so many people involved in this deadly debacle. And how we keep thinking war is worth it.
A really clear history of well to quote another book the march of folly that World War One was. One could just read the first half and understand how the war came about and why. Reading the second part is a revelation of how it could have gone differently. A really fantastic book, one that left me with a lot of thoughts both good and angry. Just like good history should do, and this is excellent history. I have only read one other book by Cowley before, I plan to change that as soon as possible.
History in my school usually stopped after the Second World War, maybe touch on the 50's, but it didn't matter what age, or even if it was honors, or AP, we never seemed to get too far past 1945. Not that we covered World War I much, either. A archduke was killed, Europe went to war, things happened, America entered, the end. World War One was much more than that. This was a war that many wanted to happen, and when it did became powerless for them both to stop, and it seemed to win. Plans were drawn and deviation seemed impossible, no matter that the way they had planned had changed due to technology, and the will to fight. I have read quite a few books on the War to End all Wars, but few have touched me, made me think, nor have made me as mad at the people involved as this book. Looking at a battle that seemed could be called a hinge of history in the war, this book tells so much more. About arrogance, ignorance, loyalty, patriotism, and a willingness not only to die for a cause, but to let entire generation die out of pride. The Killing Season: The Autumn of 1914, Ypres, and the Afternoon That Cost Germany a War by Robert Cowley looks at the First Battle of Ypres, a battle that could have changed the history of the 20th century, and maybe the lives of so many soldiers on all sides.
The book begins in the past, explaining the sides, Germany, France, Belgium, England and others and the moments and ideas that brought this nations to not only wanting a war, but needing a war. The German plan was to invade the West, win a quick victory, and turn their efforts to the East. Even if the West wasn't really interested in war. Cowley looks at the many players, the Generals who planned the war, the men who fought in it, and the politicians who seemed almost gleeful, until the numbers of casualties starting rolling in. Cowley follows the wars beginnings, spending much time in Belgium, covering the slaughter of civilians, the destruction of libraries and universities, towns that had lasted since the Middle Ages destroyed in hours. All moving to the First Battle of Ypres where Belgians, English, French and German clashed, along with the advancing technologies in Maxim guns, mortar, aeroplanes and gas.
I have read quite a few books on World War One. Most even now have a bit of Boy's Own Adventure to them. Cavalry fighting with swords, the Knights of the Air, massed charges into machine guns. Cowley is definitely not that kind of writer. Cowley can set a scene, give the facts needed to understand why things are happening, and write passages that make one really feel what it was like to be under fire. Or watch a library burn. Or see brave men with little training give their lives. Every page is loaded with information, about war, about sea locks, about mud. This is a large book but at no point did I feel that I was being lectured to, or feed a line about how much fun this gallant war was. Cowley keeps everything real. So real that even a hundred years later I am mad at so many people involved in this deadly debacle. And how we keep thinking war is worth it.
A really clear history of well to quote another book the march of folly that World War One was. One could just read the first half and understand how the war came about and why. Reading the second part is a revelation of how it could have gone differently. A really fantastic book, one that left me with a lot of thoughts both good and angry. Just like good history should do, and this is excellent history. I have only read one other book by Cowley before, I plan to change that as soon as possible.
July 25, 2025
The great temptation for any author writing about a war, especially the First World War, is to concentrate on the great personalities and the broad movements of thousands of troops. Cowley, to his credit, spends a considerable amount of time on the middle ranks and their stories. His sources often include diaries, letters, regimental histories and later narratives by the participants. The use of this material is compelling and gives the reader a feel for what the First Ypres was like as it unfolded. Photographs of the battle sites and the combatants are also unusually informative and their subjects unusual. One of the photographs is of an alcoholic bargeman Hendriik Geeraert, who, as much or more than any soldier on the field, determined the outcome of the battle.
Much of the First Ypres was fought in Belgium around low land that became usable for habitation, transportation and farming by virtue of a series of dikes. Without these dikes, the land would be flooded and unusable by the Germans. Albert, who was not only the King of Belgium but also the Commander of its armed forces, made the difficult decision to inundate this land with sea water. However difficult a decision this was, it meant nothing without Geeraert. The men who maintained the dikes had all fled to France and with them the knowledge of how to operate them. Their tools had been hidden away. Geeraert not only had the technical skill but knew where the tools were and was willing to put his life on the line to execute the plan.
Stories like these are what distinguishes this from other histories. Cowley believes this battle may have been the determining factor in whether the Germans would win the war. Had they prevailed they might have controlled the channel ports and prevented aid and troops from Britain from coming. He makes a good argument but for me there are so many other variables at play that we cannot say this with any sort of certainty.
This was an excellent read and I will return to it.
Much of the First Ypres was fought in Belgium around low land that became usable for habitation, transportation and farming by virtue of a series of dikes. Without these dikes, the land would be flooded and unusable by the Germans. Albert, who was not only the King of Belgium but also the Commander of its armed forces, made the difficult decision to inundate this land with sea water. However difficult a decision this was, it meant nothing without Geeraert. The men who maintained the dikes had all fled to France and with them the knowledge of how to operate them. Their tools had been hidden away. Geeraert not only had the technical skill but knew where the tools were and was willing to put his life on the line to execute the plan.
Stories like these are what distinguishes this from other histories. Cowley believes this battle may have been the determining factor in whether the Germans would win the war. Had they prevailed they might have controlled the channel ports and prevented aid and troops from Britain from coming. He makes a good argument but for me there are so many other variables at play that we cannot say this with any sort of certainty.
This was an excellent read and I will return to it.
November 24, 2024
I have just concluded my reading of an ARC of "The Killing Season: The Autumn of 1914, Ypres and the Afternoon that Cost Germany a War," written by the noted military historian, Robert Cowley and graciously provided to me by Random House. It is, in my view, a "Tour de Force" in revisiting the often neglected mobile war that preceded trench warfare on the Western Front, It reads, in some ways, rather like an historiographical essay examining the current state of scholarship surrounding these events in the first few months of the war, with all of the lost opportunities that characterized that time. Those months were critical in leading to the stalemate which settled over the balance of the war until the U.S. entrance in significant numbers in 1918. The author is clearly well-versed in his sources and includes frequent critical but justified examinations of both Entente and Central Powers military doctrine and leadership as it evolved (devolved?) on the Western Front. Discussions of the partisan war, Allied propaganda and French and German stubborn persistence in half baked planning and the development of tactical doctrine is particularly illuminating. Many of you are familiar with Barbara Tuchman's "The Guns of August"; this book takes off, in great detail, precisely where the earlier text ends. It is recommended for every serious collection on World War I.
November 11, 2025
A detailed and all encompassing look at the First Battle of Ypres, which took place in the fall of 1914 in West Flanders, Belgium. Germany's efforts to sweep north and capture the channel ports were thwarted by soldiers from France, England and Belgium and, in part, due to errors and misconceptions of German leadership.
The nearly ninety-year old historian Robert Cowley explores the first four months of World War I. His passion and knowledge of the battle and the larger war is impressive. In the acknowledgements section, the author shares that his interest in the war was spurred by his father's having served overseas in the American Field Service. Bernard Montgomery, Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler all make appearances throughout the six hundred plus page book. Cowley's eye roves far and wide over the battlefields and shares countless interesting stories and moments. Compared to WWII, the Civil War and the Revolutionary War, my reading of the Great War has paled in comparison. This book went a long way in rectifying that. Cowley's narrative is clearheaded and insightful throughout. My only issue with the book were the maps, particularly the lack of them. Those maps that were featured were sporadic and difficult to suss out at times.
The nearly ninety-year old historian Robert Cowley explores the first four months of World War I. His passion and knowledge of the battle and the larger war is impressive. In the acknowledgements section, the author shares that his interest in the war was spurred by his father's having served overseas in the American Field Service. Bernard Montgomery, Winston Churchill and Adolf Hitler all make appearances throughout the six hundred plus page book. Cowley's eye roves far and wide over the battlefields and shares countless interesting stories and moments. Compared to WWII, the Civil War and the Revolutionary War, my reading of the Great War has paled in comparison. This book went a long way in rectifying that. Cowley's narrative is clearheaded and insightful throughout. My only issue with the book were the maps, particularly the lack of them. Those maps that were featured were sporadic and difficult to suss out at times.
October 20, 2025
This was one of the most enjoyable and worthwhile books I have read on the First World War. Instead of taking on the unwieldy task of covering the entire war, Cowley has concentrated on that very crucial phase, the first four months of the war from August, when the Germans launched their ambitious Scheiffen Plan to knock out France quickly before turning to the Eastern Front, to December 1914 and the recognition, at Ypres, that their plans for a quick victory had ended in stalemate and the dreaded trenches. Cowley discusses in great detail the attacks by the Germans in Flanders and their desparate drive to take the Channel ports, Dunkirk and Calais and then the town of Ypres with its magnificent and medieval Cloth Hall. Unlike some histories that only deal with the attacks in general, we learn of the heroism of many individual soldiers and officers who paid the price for the mistakes and incompetence of their commanders. This is highly recommended.
December 22, 2025
Authors of history books have begun to cover narrower and narrower topics in order to write something new. Cowley has done exactly that, creating an incredibly deep and insightful tome on the first months of WWI on the Western Front.
He’s done an excellent job.
The book reads as a narrative with some personal opinions added by the author, but not in a way that disrupts the narrative. It’s a great book for anyone who feels well-informed about WWI (and Ypres) but wants to know more.
My only criticism is the poor quality of the maps, taken from the 1920s and reflect the low resolution of some printing during that time. You’ll need to find your own maps of the battle online to keep track.
He’s done an excellent job.
The book reads as a narrative with some personal opinions added by the author, but not in a way that disrupts the narrative. It’s a great book for anyone who feels well-informed about WWI (and Ypres) but wants to know more.
My only criticism is the poor quality of the maps, taken from the 1920s and reflect the low resolution of some printing during that time. You’ll need to find your own maps of the battle online to keep track.
November 29, 2025
Almost flawless. Highly detailed but still readable. Cowley gives us the story of the first months of WWI in Flanders, paying attention to the characters and actions of all four combatants (German, Belgian, French, and British.). It's a monumental struggle consisting of countless small incidents. This is a long book that rewards persistence. The book includes excellent contemporary photos and illustrations. The one flaw in the book is the result of using the same original sources for maps. They are too few, and difficult to read. Other than that, chapeau.
December 16, 2025
Thank you to Goodreads and Random House publishing for providing a copy of this book in the Goodreads giveaway.
This book contains a high level of detail concerning the first few months of World War I. The author does a good job of providing the context necessary to understand the events that led to war as well as what the first few months of the war were like. The writing style is easy to read and I would recommend this book to any history buff.
This book contains a high level of detail concerning the first few months of World War I. The author does a good job of providing the context necessary to understand the events that led to war as well as what the first few months of the war were like. The writing style is easy to read and I would recommend this book to any history buff.
November 26, 2025
Robert Cowley's account of this crucial period describes how German armies in France were poised to sweep north to capture the Channel ports and knock England out of the war – and were only held back by a brilliant improvisation from a cobbled-together handful of desperate British, French and Belgium troops.
December 21, 2025
Excellent! Informative without being cumbersome and seasoned with a nice amount of personal accounts. This is a book I'd read again.
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