World War I: An Outline History

by Hanson W. Baldwin

Grove Press, Inc.
Date of 1962
paperback

Good +
A Black Cat Book # BC-47. Original price 75 cents. Here is a compact and masterful history of World War I by one of the most competent military analysts of our times. Brief and clear, it surveys all the theaters of the war. It offers a previously unavailable perspective on this most fateful event of human history. A very nice, clean and unmarked copy. Protected in a clear poly sleeve. 181 pp. Edition unknown, but most likely first printing.

Genres: History, World War I, Nonfiction

181 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1962

About the author

Hanson Weightman Baldwin was the longtime Military Analyst of the New York Times. His coverage of the early days of the Second World War earned him a Pulitzer Prize. During his long career, he wrote and/or edited many books, primarily in the field of politico-military history.

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had gotten used to reading the New York Times in the early 60's and always found the military column by Hansen Baldwin enlightening. He was good at summarizing and giving you the main points primarily.

[Kate]

DNF;

I picked this up thinking it was going to be more about the politics of WWI and a description of how nations interacted, which I guess maybe was my own fault. Instead it was more of a laundry list of battle tactics, and considering the author is a military journalist, maybe I should've expected a focus on the mid-level strategic military movements rather than the higher-level political goings on.

I assume if you're interested in a general but comprehensive overview of WWI battles, this WOULD be a good resource to explore, but it just wasn't what I was looking for.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, pithy writing style and comprehensive breadth of focus makes this little book quite an achievement.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief but clear overview of WWI. My only complaint- needs more and better maps.

[The Angry Lawn Gnome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good if viewed not so much as a political history of World War I but as a strictly military one. And as an introductory text. All the theaters, campaigns, battles, generals and leading politicians are discussed, but obviously very briefly. Perhaps a bit more of an emphasis on all things naval was made than was strictly necessary, but I guess that is understandable given the author's background. And as a military history I'd have a liked a bit more of a discussion on how well or poorly and with exactly what the soldiers in the trenches were armed with, but on balance that's kind of a minor complaint.

As a reader, the burden is on you to try and keep everything straight since each battle, general, etc. comes at in you in an almost bullet point fashion. And since the title calls it an "Outline" such a manner of presentation is reasonable. I, eh, sort of kept up, but must admit to my eyes crossing at various points.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serviceable enough history of the First World War. Breaks the war down by years and theaters, so its strong on concision, breadth and hitting the high points, a little shakier when it comes to depth and narrative flow. Recommended if you want a brief introduction to the subject.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

very good review of the high points of the war but a bit short, not a very interesting read.