“This serious; compact survey of the war’s history stands out as the most well-informed; accessible work available.†(Los Angeles Times) Nearly a century has passed since the outbreak of World War I; yet as military historian Hew Strachan (winner of the 2016 Pritzker Literature Award) argues in this brilliant and authoritative new book; the legacy of the “war to end all wars†is with us still. The First World War was a truly global conflict from the start; with many of the most decisive battles fought in or directly affecting the Balkans; Africa; and the Ottoman Empire. Even more than World War II; the First World War continues to shape the politics and international relations of our world; especially in hot spots like the Middle East and the Balkans. Strachan has done a masterful job of reexamining the causes; the major campaigns; and the consequences of the First World War; compressing a lifetime of knowledge into a single definitive volume tailored for the general reader. Written in crisp; compelling prose and enlivened with extraordinarily vivid photographs and detailed maps; The First World War re-creates this world-altering conflict both on and off the battlefield—the clash of ideologies between the colonial powers at the center of the war; the social and economic unrest that swept Europe both before and after; the military strategies employed with stunning success and tragic failure in the various theaters of war; the terms of peace and why it didn’t last. Drawing on material culled from many countries; Strachan offers a fresh; clear-sighted perspective on how the war not only redrew the map of the world but also set in motion the most dangerous conflicts of today. Deeply learned; powerfully written; and soon to be released with a new introduction that commemorates the hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of the war; The First World War remains a landmark of contemporary history.
#358123 in Books 2009-09-11Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x 1.31 x 6.05l; 2.20 #File Name: 142921788X774 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great compilation of articles!By AmyI used this book for an introductory class to Race; Class and Gender at my university. I have read more than 60% of the book and almost all of the articles were enjoyable; especially those in section 6; which cover several author's personal experiences with racism. I have taken a few classes that have discussed these topics in the past; but not to the extent that we covered. This book is highly valuable to those interested in learning about race; class; and gender in America. Some of the articles I had read before; but the fact they were included in the text only highlights their validity. It has also been helpful in my daily conversations with people; and I tend to reference information from it. If it weren't so expensive; I would purchase my rental for future reference.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Mostly essays from people who have been discriminated; and ...By JessicaMostly essays from people who have been discriminated; and not so much history or background information of the issues. However; you will need to make references to the textbook just to show you have read it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Sandra T.Great
