A masterful history of the First World War, covering all areas and explaining the technology and tactics that determined its course: now in paperback for the centenary

Immensely readable ... Hart excels not only at making it intelligible but also at turning it into a gripping narrative, which includes extensive and moving quotations from soldiers and sailors who bore the consequences of their commanders' decisions and faced the realities of combat ... Hart's book will contribute to a sea change in our understanding of the war during the years of the centenary Irish Times Gripping ... I would highly recommend this book, not only for the honest appraisal of all the main characters and countries involved, but because it gives a voice to those who paid the ultimate price, often for no purpose whatsoever Morning Star A valuable, timely and highly readable overview of the Great War on all major fronts -- Professor Peter Simkins Thought provoking, erudite, yet eminently readable and entertaining: Peter Hart is a historian and author at the peak of his powers -- Richard Van Emden Riveting...bold enough to bring a new clarity to a subject that has been obscured by a creeping barrage of re-interpretations over the years Catholic Herald Very impressive Military History Magazine The sheer level of detail Hart presents is astonishing...fascinating Press Association A refreshing and engaging read Soldier Magazine Gripping...I would highly recommend this book, not only for the honest appraisal of all the main characters and countries involved, but because it gives a voice to those who paid the ultimate price, often for no purpose whatsoever Morning Star

Peter Hart is Oral Historian at the Imperial War Museum and a leading expert on the First World War. He is the co-author of Passchendaele and Jutland, and the author of books including The Somme [9780304367651] and Gallipoli [9781846681592].