The First World War

Twentieth-Century Wars #11

by Gerard J. DeGroot

This book explains the First World War in a manner the lay person can understand, and the expert will still find intriguing. It covers a broad canvas, but does so with great economy. The origins of the war, both diplomatic and social, are discussed in a particularly illuminating fashion. The reader is then taken through the major battles on the Eastern and Western Fronts, and is in the process given insight into the eventual Allied victory. The war at sea, on the home front and in distant theatres is also carefully examined. There is, in addition, a worm's eye view of the conflict - the war as it was experienced by the men in the trenches.
The book provides a wonderfully clear and sustaining introduction to a conflict usually mired in confusion. The strong narrative drive and lively style make it an easy and enjoyable read. Students will find the book a very good starting point for a study of the war, and lay readers will simply enjoy the clarity and drama it brings to a war which continues to intrigue and torment.

Genres: History, World War I, War, Nonfiction

225 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2000

About the author

Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Modern History at the University of St. Andrews.

Reviews

[Bob Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerard DeGroot's book, The First World War, is a well-written, concise and intellectually challenging look at this global conflict. This book is one of a series under the broad heading of Twentieth Century Wars. It gives the reader a solid, focused, and concise appraisal in a broad-brushed approach, to the key events, leaders, and areas of conflict that can serve as a base for further reading and exploration. It is one of the best short works I've read about the first World War. A very useful part of the book is the appendix, where DeGroot gives a very good guide to those interested in further reading about various aspects involved with or surrounding World War I. One of the aspects I like best about this book is the author's skill at organizing ideas and information in a meaningful manner that is focused and succinct. DeGroot's writing style can serve as an excellent model for those individuals who have to be able to synthesize complex ideas, making them easy to understand. I found this aspect of the book very valuable, especially in my role as a coach and mentor to executives who need to have the organizational and writing skills permitting them to be able to communicate in a focused and succinct manner.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good and simple account of WWI - the origins, Western Front, Eastern Front, Armistice, and the toll on the soldiers.

[Rasmus Stoltzenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic, concise overview of WWI, the war that truly changed the face of Europe, and even the World. Good insights into the causes and the popular drive to have a "great glorious, short war". Incisive in ripping apart operations, battles, strategies, and older notions of how&why the war turned out like it did. Recommended.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"For the nations of Europe, the war had been fought either for protection or aggrandizement. Yet all had lost." (Pg 206)
WWI has fascinated me. I have felt, from what little I do know, that it has affected much of the world today, however it seems as if most people focus on WWII and after.
This short book was perfect for someone like me, who has little knowledge of the event and wants to want to learn more without being overwhelmed.
It is a very factual book. The author is able to make it engaging. Kudos for that!
The author includes some texts for further reading for those interested.
I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone looking for a quick overview of WWI...which is no easy task to write, I am certain.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, accessible introduction to WW1 studies, primarily an emphasis on the European/British experience. (For those interested in the American experience this is not the book to read). I wish he had documented his sources a bit more clearly throughout; nonetheless his research is solid.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good clear overview for those diving into more indepth study of the First World War, however is stronger from a military perspective than a social one.