The Great War: Perspectives on the First World War

By Robert editor Cowley

Book Overview

The great war-or the First World War, as most Americans call it-was the true turning point of the century just past. It brought down dynasties and empires, including the Ottoman-one of the roots of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375509097
• ISBN13: 9780375509094
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Random House
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 1.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.7" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

Excellent collection of writers and topics

I found this book both compelling and readable. Each of the essays were written by talented and skilled writers and the topics range from Jutland, a Turkish viewpoint of Gallipoli, origins of the flamethrower, the Paris Gun and it's myths, the origin of the term 'No Man's Land', the brutal battles at Ypre, the Somme, noted pilots and their daring adventures, some great insight into 'Black Jack' Pershing and his dealings with the Allied generals and his lady friends. These were edited from previously published MHQ magazine issues and should find a place on the book shelf of any WWI buff. Enjoy.

Highly recommended for students of WWI

This is a really great book. I was going to write a long review, but when I read the editorial reviews above, I found they described the contents of the book almost exactly as I had intended to do, so I will not repeat those descriptions here. I will note that the book does require a working knowledge of World War I; it is not for the beginner. And it is not, nor intended to be, a complete history of the war. But, for example, the two chapters on the Somme give the best short overview of the entire battle I have read in 35 years of studying WWI. In every essay in the book I gained some new insights. I will also point out that the book does not have to be read in order; I jumped back and forth often in my reading. I'd give this book six stars if I could.