Excellent primer for the uneducated American reader. Author gives great cultural and historical context while staying focused on the Ypres Salient. Absolutely nowhere near an exhaustive history but great for learning the basics before visiting Flanders or for getting your feet wet in the Great War.
3 1/2. I have read enough military history to know that if you are well-versed in this war the book is really not great at drilling down. I am not entrenched (sorry) in this subject matter yet, so I found it fairly enjoyable.
A vivid, engrossing history that is particularly effective in conveying the horrific loss and inexplicable futility of World War I.
Overall I feel Winston Groom is an excellent writer and I found the book both easy to read and informative. That said, I disagree with some of the statements he makes. For example, his assessment of the Schlieffen and his explanation for the removal of Falkenhayn from command of the German reason 1916. I also feel that his conclusions regarding the success of the English and the failures of the Germans in 1918 are vague.
Great book I have read little on WW1 battles and I'm glad I picked this up. I went out and picked up more titles to read on the Great War. Groom's writing style keeps it interesting where some writers get bogged down and bore you he does not. Will look forward to reading more of his books.
A comprehensive book about the ongoing battle in Flanders through out the war. The book uses Flanders to give the reader a view of what it was like on the front lines in the trenches in world war 1. The gas attacks, shelling and the use of the tank.
A great read, found it balanced.