Synopses & Reviews
Designed for secondary school and college student research, this book is a readable analysis and ready-reference guide to the war. An introductory essay presents a lucid overview of the main features of the conflict, incorporating the most recent scholarship. Five essays analyze crucial aspects of the war, from the battlefield to the homefront, and a concluding essay assesses the consequences of the war from a contemporary perspective. Ready-reference features include: a chronology of events; lengthy biographical profiles of twenty-one major figures, stressing their role in the war's origins, conduct, or outcome; the text of fifteen key primary documents such as diaries, memoirs, and newspaper editorials; a glossary of selected terms; and an extensively annotated bibliography of recommended further reading and major documentary and feature films made about the war.
The essays are designed to be readable and informative, capturing the tragic character of the war as well as presenting an analysis of its main features. Topics covered include the American role in the war, the collapse of the political systems in Russia and Austria-Hungary, the success of Allied military leaders in meeting the threat of German submarine warfare, and life on the homefront in the United States, Britain, France, and Germany. A concluding essay views the war as a shaping force for the entire twentieth century and its impact on the present day. The book presents the day-to-day course of events as it involved individuals by offering excerpts from diaries and memoirs, while decision-making at the highest level appears in selections from leaders' speeches and memoranda. Shifts in public opinion in the United States are illustrated by excerpts from newspaper editorials. A selection of maps completes the text. By raising issues for discussion about The War to End All Wars and providing reference features, this work is a one-stop resource for students, teachers, and library media specialists.
Review
[T]his is a handy single-volume source....This book would be an excellent start for any library to bolster its underrepresented collection of reference materials on World War I.ARBA
Review
A series of unusual documents brings home the poignant character of war....This is a comprehensive, well-written account of a war that continues to hold an enduring fascination for undergraduates. A clear picture of the war and its relationship to wider issues is presented in excellent style.German Studies Review
Synopsis
A one-stop source for in-depth analysis and ready-reference material on World War I, including the text of key firsthand accounts.
Synopsis
Designed for secondary school and college student research, this book is a readable analysis and ready-reference guide to the war. An introductory essay presents a lucid overview of the main features of the conflict, incorporating the most recent scholarship. Five essays analyze crucial aspects of the war, from the battlefield to the homefront, and a concluding essay assesses the consequences of the war from a contemporary perspective. Ready-reference features include: a chronology of events; lengthy biographical profiles of twenty-one major figures, stressing their role in the war's origins, conduct, or outcome; the text of fifteen key primary documents such as diaries, memoirs, and newspaper editorials; a glossary of selected terms; and an extensively annotated bibliography of recommended further reading and major documentary and feature films made about the war.
About the Author
NEIL M. HEYMAN is Professor of History at San Diego State University.