World War I: The Story of the Great War 1914-1918

by Correlli Barnett

In his classic text on the First World War, distinguished military historian Correlli Barnett vividly illuminates the complex story of the war that left millions dead and changed the face of the Europe forever. Drawing on accounts of ordinary soldiers as well as primary sources, Correlli Barnett tells the story of the war from the initial causes through the long, bitter years of stalemate on the Western Front, to the compromise peace in 1918. He follows the campaign through all theatres of war—land, air, and sea—from the trenches to the strength of the civilians on the Home Front.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War I

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1980

About the author

A freelance historian and writer, Correlli Barnett was educated at Trinity school and Exeter College, Oxford, where he took a degree in modern history. After national service in the Intelligence Corps from 1945 to 1948, Barnett worked for the North Thames Gas Board until 1957, then in public relations until 1963. He was historical consultant and part author of the BBC series 'The Great War' and won the 1964 Screen Writers' Guild Award for best British television documentary script.

Reviews

[John Gossman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In light of the great heavy tomes that have been written on just single years, battles or personalities of World War I, it is amazing that the entire conflict can be summarized in a few hundred photo-heavy pages. But that is exactly what Corelli Barnett has done in this volume. The book manages to do this without leaving out anything of significance, though some sections may leave you gasping for detail. Or, you may find yourself wondering what all those other great tomes actually contain.

For example, I have read two single-volume histories of the Battle of Jutland. Barnett here covers it in just four pages...but going over it, it is hard to say he has not related the tale. He describes the strategic situation, how the Germans technically capable but small fleet was bottled up in the North Sea, and the consequences of the blockade. He describes Scheer's strategy to draw out and destroy the British fleet in small parts, how it seemed to be working when Hipper's battlecruisers staged a running duel with Beatty's squadron that brought them into range of Scheer's main task force, and then the continuation as the German's pursued Beatty back to the main British fleet. And so on...all the maneuvers are covered, as are the strategic consequences. So, what are you missing by reading Barnett's short account? You miss the history of the two fleet's development, the personalities of their creators (Fisher and Tirpitz), and their commanders (cautious Jellicoe, flamboyant Beatty, etc.) In the end, you may not care if you miss the tiny details of each ship and squadron, the exact tracks of the squadrons, or the damage reports, unless you are a real naval history junkie.

And so goes the whole book. It makes marvelous quick reading to introduce one to the subject or to remind yourself how the pieces fit together. It would probably be a great first history for a precocious child as well. I'm glad I have it on my bookcase as a quick reference to the overall sequence of the war...almost an index. So, the book is highly recommended if you do not expect a definitive, in-depth history. 4.5 stars.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Great War” Correlli Barnett
Vivid and startling account.

[Zvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good review of the main battles and storylines of WW1.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good at summing up the main events of WWI, very well put but did sometimes have a whiff of racial stereotyping that is likely just a product of when it was written but was a bit off-putting.

[Lysergius · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Great War's" greatest success lies in its narrative simplicity, and concision it manages to convey an accurate and thorough account of the War, despite the complexity and vast array of information available.

Barnett's clear writing style, his enthusiasm, and the inclusion of detailed maps and photographs make his account extremely clear, easy to read and understand. It also succeeds, by including references and undertones which provide a basis for further exploration of the War and its consequences.

Appendices are provided which give a chronology and the number of casualties suffered by each country involved, particularly helpful for quick reference.

All in all a great introduction to further study.

[Trevor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to sum up when there's a perfectly adequate quote on the front of the book, "a miracle of elegant compression".

This isn't a stuffy, boring book. It gives the facts in relatively short (~ 9 pages) chapters.

I remember learning about World War 1 at school but couldn't remember as much about it as WW2 so wanted a book that just gave the facts.

This is that book! Wouldn't mind finding the original BBC series that goes with it.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

the book is an over view of WWI. Great book, gives good amount of details of battles and behind the lines.