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World War I - 9 Book Collection: Nelson's History of the War, The Battle of Jutland & The Battle of the Somme
This carefully edited collection has been designed and formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. The edition incorporates an interactive table of contents, footnotes and other information relevant to the content which makes the reading experience meticulously organized and enjoyable. Table of Days to The British Empire in the Great War The Battle of Jutland The Battle of the Somme, First Phase The Battle of the Somme, Second Phase Nelson's History of the War (Volumes I–V) "The definite history of this war is not now to be written, or for many a day. Still it may be possible to disentangle from this struggle of armed nations over hundreds of miles some explicit narrative which may help all of us who are hungering for help and guidance. At present we do not authentically know even the subtle causes which produced this convulsion over half the world. What is on the surface is clear enough, but it is what is under the surface that matters. I am reluctant to believe in a diabolical and cold-blooded scheme to bring about war at this time; at least, this does not seem to be proved. We must, then, I think, suspend our judgment as to the real causes of war till time and documents give us the clue. Perhaps the pregnant word "mobilization" may explain much. Meanwhile we can only conjecture by the light of a few facts..." (Excerpt; Nelson's History of the War) John Buchan (1875-1940) was a Scottish novelist, historian and also served as Canada's Governor General. With the outbreak of the First World War, Buchan worked as a correspondent in France for The Times.
1567 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2017
324 people are currently reading
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About the author
John Buchan
1,740 books468 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
John Buchan was a Scottish novelist, historian, and Unionist politician who served as Governor General of Canada, the 15th since Canadian Confederation.
As a youth, Buchan began writing poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction, publishing his first novel in 1895 and ultimately writing over a hundred books of which the best known is The Thirty-Nine Steps. After attending Glasgow and Oxford universities, he practised as a barrister. In 1901, he served as a private secretary to Lord Milner in southern Africa towards the end of the Boer War. He returned to England in 1903, continued as a barrister and journalist. He left the Bar when he joined Thomas Nelson and Sons publishers in 1907. During the First World War, he was, among other activities, Director of Information in 1917 and later Head of Intelligence at the newly-formed Ministry of Information. He was elected Member of Parliament for the Combined Scottish Universities in 1927.
In 1935, King George V, on the advice of Canadian Prime Minister R. B. Bennett, appointed Buchan to succeed the Earl of Bessborough as Governor General of Canada and two months later raised him to the peerage as 1st Baron Tweedsmuir. He occupied the post until his death in 1940. Buchan promoted Canadian unity and helped strengthen the sovereignty of Canada constitutionally and culturally. He received a state funeral in Canada before his ashes were returned to the United Kingdom.
John Buchan was a Scottish novelist, historian, and Unionist politician who served as Governor General of Canada, the 15th since Canadian Confederation.
As a youth, Buchan began writing poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction, publishing his first novel in 1895 and ultimately writing over a hundred books of which the best known is The Thirty-Nine Steps. After attending Glasgow and Oxford universities, he practised as a barrister. In 1901, he served as a private secretary to Lord Milner in southern Africa towards the end of the Boer War. He returned to England in 1903, continued as a barrister and journalist. He left the Bar when he joined Thomas Nelson and Sons publishers in 1907. During the First World War, he was, among other activities, Director of Information in 1917 and later Head of Intelligence at the newly-formed Ministry of Information. He was elected Member of Parliament for the Combined Scottish Universities in 1927.
In 1935, King George V, on the advice of Canadian Prime Minister R. B. Bennett, appointed Buchan to succeed the Earl of Bessborough as Governor General of Canada and two months later raised him to the peerage as 1st Baron Tweedsmuir. He occupied the post until his death in 1940. Buchan promoted Canadian unity and helped strengthen the sovereignty of Canada constitutionally and culturally. He received a state funeral in Canada before his ashes were returned to the United Kingdom.
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March 28, 2025
A Gripping and Thoughtful Account of a Pivotal Battle
John Buchan’s The Battle of the Somme provides a compelling and detailed narrative of one of World War I’s most significant and devastating battles. Buchan’s firsthand knowledge and deep understanding of the conflict allow him to vividly capture the horrors and heroism of the battle, offering a balanced view of both the soldiers’ experiences and the broader strategic context.
While the book is highly informative and well-researched, it can be dense at times, especially for readers unfamiliar with military history or the specifics of the First World War. The flow of the narrative occasionally slows when delving into tactical details, and some sections may feel overly detailed for those seeking a more general overview.
Overall, The Battle of the Somme is a powerful and insightful account that provides a deep understanding of the battle’s significance. Though challenging at times, it is a rewarding read for those interested in military history or the human cost of war. A strong 4 stars.
John Buchan’s The Battle of the Somme provides a compelling and detailed narrative of one of World War I’s most significant and devastating battles. Buchan’s firsthand knowledge and deep understanding of the conflict allow him to vividly capture the horrors and heroism of the battle, offering a balanced view of both the soldiers’ experiences and the broader strategic context.
While the book is highly informative and well-researched, it can be dense at times, especially for readers unfamiliar with military history or the specifics of the First World War. The flow of the narrative occasionally slows when delving into tactical details, and some sections may feel overly detailed for those seeking a more general overview.
Overall, The Battle of the Somme is a powerful and insightful account that provides a deep understanding of the battle’s significance. Though challenging at times, it is a rewarding read for those interested in military history or the human cost of war. A strong 4 stars.
Displaying 1 of 1 review