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The Great War: A Combat History of the First World War
Author(s): Peter Hart (Author)
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Publication Date: May 9, 2013
- Edition: First Edition
- Language: English
- Print length: 544 pages
- ISBN-10: 0199976279
- ISBN-13: 9780199976270
Book Description
World War I altered the landscape of the modern world in every conceivable arena. Millions died; empires collapsed; new ideologies and political movements arose; poison gas, warplanes, tanks, submarines, and other technologies appeared. “Total war” emerged as a grim, mature reality.
In
The Great War, Peter Hart provides a masterful combat history of this global conflict. Focusing on the decisive engagements, Hart explores the immense challenges faced by the commanders on all sides. He surveys the belligerent nations, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and strategic imperatives. Russia, for example, was obsessed with securing an exit from the Black Sea, while France–having lost to Prussia in 1871, before Germany united–constructed a network of defensive alliances, even as it held a grudge over the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. Hart offers deft portraits of the commanders, the prewar plans, and the unexpected obstacles and setbacks that upended the initial operations.Editorial Reviews
Review
“For a clear combat history of the war that represents current thinking and examines every major theatre, Peter Hart’s The Great War is hard to beat.” –The Economist
“A valuable, timely, and highly readable overview of the Great War on all major fronts.” –Peter Simkins MBE, President of the Western Front Association
“This is an exceptional history of WWI… The Great War is a ‘must have’ book for the scholar and historian of the first World War.” –The Lone Star Book Review
“In a subject of this size, the scope of the narrative can be intimidating. But Hart, the author of many previous military histories, is up to the task… The Great War is a perfect addition to the libraries of military buffs, especially those obsessed with the cataclysmic effects of ‘the war to end all wars.'” –ForeWord
“Hart cuts to the chase and goes straight to the major events and fronts that mattered…This is the only single volume Great War history you need.” –Mark Barnes, War History Online
“Hart demonstrates an admirable command of the subject matter and offers a compelling case for the lasting impact of the ‘unwaking nightmare that was WWI.'”
–Publishers Weekly
“This is an exceptional history of WWI… The Great War is a ‘must have’ book for the scholar and historian of the first World War.” –The Lone Star Book Review
“Hart demonstrates an admirable command of the subject matter and offers a compelling case for the lasting impact of the ‘unwaking nightmare that was WWI.'”
–Publishers Weekly
“A good history of the war that questions some widely held opinions…anyone interested in the war will find it a valuable supplement.” –Kirkus Reviews
“In a subject of this size, the scope of the narrative can be intimidating. But Hart, the author of many previous military histories, is up to the task… The Great War is a perfect addition to the libraries of military buffs, especially those obsessed with the cataclysmic effects of ‘the war to end all wars.'” –ForeWord
“Hart demonstrates an admirable command of the subject matter and offers a compelling case for the lasting impact of the ‘unwaking nightmare that was WWI.'”
–Publishers Weekly
“A good history of the war that questions some widely held opinions…anyone interested in the war will find it a valuable supplement.” –Kirkus Reviews
“In a subject of this size, the scope of the narrative can be intimidating. But Hart, the author of many previous military histories, is up to the task… The Great War is a perfect addition to the libraries of military buffs, especially those obsessed with the cataclysmic effects of ‘the war to end all wars.'” –ForeWord
About the Author
Peter Hart is Oral Historian of the Imperial War Museum in London. He is the author of The Somme: The Darkest Hour on the Western Front, 1918: A Very British Victory, Gallipoli, and Fire and Movement: The British Expeditionary Force and the Campaign of 1914.
