Williamson and Van Wyk's carefully chosen primary documents memoirs; diaries; government documents; newspaper editorials; and other contemporary accounts introduce readers to the civilian and military leaders whose decisions contributed to events that led to World War I. The documents; along with the authors' scholarly; engaging analysis and insights; reveal personal and national conceptions of war and peace; militaristic impulses; and influential contextual factors; including alliance structures; arms races; and mobilization arrangements of the time. Coverage includes all the major powers of the war Austria Hungary; Germany; Russia; Italy; France; England; and Serbia. The authors' conclusion that individuals; not monolithic governments and impersonal forces; made the decisions in the summer of 1914 that led to the First World War; is worthy of consideration in the current era of global tension and terrorism. Title of related interest also available from Waveland Press: Lafore; The Long Fuse: An Interpretation of the Origins of World War I; Second Edition (ISBN 9780881339543).
#1129626 in Books 2014-09-30 2014-09-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.00 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 1476739110320 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Conversations worth engagingBy Read-A-LotWell; the first thing that leaps out is the perfect title. Often books have titles that don't really do justice to the contents. But this title is perfect and that plus having read Ms. Daniels previous effort is what drew me to this current piece. I share in the premise that these five topics are often difficult to talk about; even amongst "friends" and almost impossible to do with strangers unless you strive hard to be polite. And the very subject matter; Race; Politics; etc. makes it extremely difficult to be polite; especially; if one is passionate.The book is broken down into 5 areas (see subtitle) and the co-authors each write essays on these five different subjects. The essays are not presented in a debate format; though arguably that may have made for a slightly better book; but in that format you run the risk of the reader just choosing sides. So; I'm not quibbling with the ultimate end product; just thinking out loud. As they say in the introduction about the style choice; "...we feel it more mirrors a natural conversation. The kind of conversation that meanders; stops; starts; gets you angry; sad; and makes you laugh."That goal was pretty much accomplished; some essays definitely provoke humor; a few of John's going over the top. Some will bring about an urge to join the conversation and so that is really what makes this book work. If you find yourself nodding in agreement or shaking your head in disagreement; that's a definite win for the authors. At the very least; it will make you examine your own friendships; and examine the strength or relative weakness of them. Can you openly talk to your friends about these five taboo topics? Can you do so passionately and remain great friends? Do you even know how certain people in your circle feel about the 5 taboos? A book like this can be a blueprint to help jumpstart those conversations.So John and Cora have similar thoughts on some of these taboos; but the way in which they are presented gives you a look from different angles. There are some essays I'm sure readers will find controversial; like Cora's "Let's pray for sexually active daughters" but both authors do a good job of laying out the why of their opinions. I think the Race section was the strongest and it's no surprise that it contains the most essays. Some interesting and debatable thoughts come out of the Race area. This collection of essays would make for a great bookclub discussion; just make sure everyone checks their sensitivities at the door. 3.5 stars0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Maybe a good conversation starter; but not a great read.By RedlipThought this would be exciting; but I found it pretty dull. I applaud the idea of exploring some politically/socially 'incorrect' stances/opinions; but as a read; this didn't do it for me.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Setha LowGreat books full of honest reflections on race and our society.
