Customer Reviews

History of the First World War

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I have recently inherited some family papers that include records of two relatives that died in the First World War. In an effort to discover more I have been researching their regimental histories and other sources of official records. Having found out the details of the actions in which they died, I wanted to read a general history of the war to get a better sense of perspective. Liddell Harts book was recommended to me by my Father. I was expecting a dry military history. What I found was a vibrant, in some cases, damning history of what must be one of the most horrific wars of all time. Liddell Harts style is grand and literary. His portraits of the key characters are rich and balanced. His deep knowledge of military strategy and first hand experience of the war makes his account credible. Add to this his impartial professional military eye and his compelling style and you have the best book of military history I have read. His willingness to point the finger of blame was startling and really drove home the horror of the war. His claim that the British command in charge or the second battle of Ypres should stand charges before the national for manslaughter was shocking both in the abstract and personally. For it was in this unsustainable defense of a weak position that one of my relatives died at Hill 60.