With the German Guns: Four Years on the Western Front (Pen & Sword Military Classics) [Paperback]

Herbert Sulzbach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2003

At once harrowing and lighthearted, Sulzbach's exceptional diary has been highly praised since its original publication in Germany in 1935. With the reprint of this classic account of trench warfare it records the pride and exhilaration of what to him was the fight for a just cause. It is one of the very few available records of an ordinary German soldier during the First World War.

"One of the most notable books on the Great War. It is a book which finely expressed the true soldierly spirit on its highest level; the combination of a high sense of duty, courage, fairness and chivalry."" Sir Basil Liddell Hart

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Pen & Sword Books (August 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844150194
• ISBN-13: 978-1844150199
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #601,114 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This diary is a vivid recreation of life on the W. Front, October 17, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: WITH THE GERMAN GUNS: Four Years on the Western Front (Hardcover)

Herbert Sulzbach's diary is a vivid recollection of his life on the Western Front from August 1914 through the armistice of November 1918. Sulzbach enters the war as a member of an artillery battery. Due to his abilities, he advances steadily; especially given the attrition of army officers on the Western Front. He writes of his times in the firing line and of his several leaves back home in Germany. The diary is full of poignant and telling detail. Containing the necessary specifics of the war's terrors, the diary dwells on the human and humane incidents as well. The author's descriptions of his journeys by train, horse, and foot across the several different sectors where he served, are memorable. Sulzbach's writing is never dry and his abilities are neither primative nor academic. Though always a patriot, Sulzbach is affected by the failing German cause. His experiences are of the major battles from the Somme to the last German offensives. Sulzbach has the distinction of becoming a British officer in WWII and his work to reunite Germany and England has earned him a place of honor in both countries. Readers of this book might also like Vaughan's SOME DESPERATE GLORY; Graves's GOOD-BYE TO ALL THAT; and Sassoon's THE MEMOIRS OF A FOX-HUNTING MAN. This book would be a good way to enter the history of WWI from the vantage point of a single individual's service.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A phenomenal read to say the least!, June 9, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: With the German Guns: Four Years on the Western Front (Pen & Sword Military Classics) (Paperback)

I am not sure if Herbert Sulzbach had ever intended on having his diary pubilshed for the world to read, which is precisely why I believe this book to be so intriguing. Any WWI history guru will most likely not be surprised by the dramatic events to unfold within the pages, but that is certainly not the point of this book. Its fascinating to read the day-by-day accounts of a young man fighting for the love of his life, The Fatherland.

It was incredibly interesting to sit back and read about the heroism and the tragedies suffered by Sulzbach. The disappointments he felt when friends fell, and when the tides turned. I almost felt sad when I could see the excitement he had to learn that it looked as if America was going to join the war and fight alongside Germany!

In short, this book is highly reccomended! Not your typical read by any means. Would love to see his WWII diaries (if he kept them at that time) published, as he joined the British Army to help rid Germany of Nazi rule. A true patriot, and a true hero!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Key German Memoir, February 12, 2007

By 

Stephen Bull - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: With the German Guns: Four Years on the Western Front (Pen & Sword Military Classics) (Paperback)

'With the German Guns' is the English version of a book originally published in German. It has the major strength that few other memoirs by German soldiers of the period are availiable in English. It contains fascinating passages describing bombardments (from the perspective of those doing the shooting !) Its coverage may be criticised as uneven - but then as an accurate memoir of real war service this is almost inevitable. A 'top twenty' book for anyone interested in WW1 memoirs, or the German army of 1914-1918.