The Great War: 1914-1918 (2nd Edition)

This book goes beyond military narrative to offer a much fuller analysis of 'the seminal event of the twentieth century'.

• The First World War is a topic that generates widespread interest for the general reader
• The author is a leading authority in the field

The word that best describes Ian F.W. Beckett's The Great War 1914-1918 is thorough. He covers every possible aspect of the war, from its campaigns to political intrigue to labor movements to cultural impact. Unlike standard histories organized in a linear mode, which emphasize chronological sequence, Beckett deliberately chose to concentrate each chapter on a particular theme, and developed that focus from pre-war to post-war when pertinent. In situations when consensus among historians is lacking, he fully explains the conflicting views and identifies their respective proponents.

While the reading is sometimes dry, as is the case with most histories, this book is jam packed with information. Copious notes at the end of each chapter point the way to more detailed investigation for those interested.

Ian F.W. Beckett does a profoundly good job of creating a reference book on the great war. The subjects included are in-depth and are a great learning and resource tool. I would recommend this book to anyone in need of a good reference for World War I.