A History of the First World War [Paperback] [Jul 17, 2014] B.H. LIDDELL HART

Sad book--war is so stupid. But, we are supposed to learn from history.

This review refers to the hardback edition.It's little wonder that Liddell Hart was knighted for his contribution to military thinking. Over the years this book has gone through revisions and incarnations, and this honing shows. His insightful analyses of the tactics and strategy behind the major engagements are very carefully weighed and ultra thought-provoking. The critique spares neither combatant, neither is deference paid to the 'brass' or popular myths.Since it is an evaluation of human endeavour in extreme conditions, it is inevitable that human frailties and failings dominate the narrative. Thus it is not a book for those seeking another stirring edition of 'war-stories'. At times, Sir Basil's cleverness somewhat convolutes the syntax, but this is small change for such a tome of distilled insight and erudition.The book is strictly an operational history, and can be fruitfully read alongside Leon Degrelle's 'Hitler:Born at Versailles', which gives a equally but slightly less scholarily insight into the background politics that led to the conflict.

I have recently inherited some family papers that include records of two relatives that died in the First World War. In an effort to discover more I have been researching their regimental histories and other sources of official records. Having found out the details of the actions in which they died, I wanted to read a general history of the war to get a better sense of perspective. Liddell Harts’ book was recommended to me by my Father. I was expecting a dry military history. What I found was a vibrant, in some cases, damning history of what must be one of the most horrific wars of all time. Liddell Harts style is grand and literary. His portraits of the key characters are rich and balanced. His deep knowledge of military strategy and first hand experience of the war makes his account credible. Add to this his impartial professional military eye and his compelling style and you have the best book of military history I have read. His willingness to point the finger of blame was startling and really drove home the horror of the war. His claim that the British command in charge or the second battle of Ypres should stand charges before the national for manslaughter was shocking both in the abstract and personally. For it was in this unsustainable defense of a weak position that one of my relatives died at Hill 60.

COMPARING THE HISTORY OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR BY THE SAME AUTHOR THE BOOK IS TRAETING MAINLY THE BEF .

The book was in the worst shape of any book I have purchased.It did not have the cover as shown it did not have the cover as shown and the binding was broken

Written shortly after the war the story is heavily tilted toward explaining battles

A book like referred one is always adorable as there is not enough book on history of 1st world war.

I am very happy with my order. Fast delivery too!

This is a book to keep close at hand and constantly refer to. Because of it's single volume there are obviously gaps and unanswered questions but it is the best book I have seen on WW1 and should be part of every students of 20th century history and anyone else who is intelligent enough to ask ;Why?'. Written in an easy to understand style with out talking down to the reader.

Excellent view on tactics of both sides, giving credit who deserve including German generals and criticizing who deserve.Complete and fair view as military historian of the war.Just needed more maps for a little better understanding of maneuvers on battlefield.

A first class one volume History of the Great War written by someone who actually fought in it.Not by some revisionary historian who waited until all the Heroes had died, before they crept out of the woodwork.What cannot speak cannot lie, and the thousands resting in Flanders soil are a silent witness.To the ineptitude of the Politicians and the Generals