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By comparison, Tuchman gives us the human and social background of the leaders that directed those forces; I find this much more interesting. Keegan's work is of course as comprehensive as you would expect from this professional military historian, but it's no where as interesting for me, as a psychologist, to know exactly how many (and what numbered) battalions did what when. Devastating is to read how apparantly casually (irresponsibly is a better word) this terrible confict, with its hideous consequences, was entered into by those leaders who never really experienced its practical effects themselves.A classic that will never lose its significance the Guns of August is a classic text, which manages to explain both the political, social AND the military intricacies of the start of World War 1. It does so in language which make a very accessible historical analysis focussing more on the people than the military strategic explanations written by military people, which can become so tedious.I have been re-reading this at the same time as John Keegan's "The First World War".
At first you wonder how much could have possibly happened in such a short period of time to justify focusing a whole book on it. We understood why Germany attacked France, why Russia attacked Austria and why England joined forces with Russia and France. What I quickly realized is that this book is really only about the first month of the war, August, and some of September. Just as Europe was changed in the way it was governed, i.e. I knew surprisingly little about The Great War, but knew that I wanted to read about it.
I would recommend. The only downside is that sometimes throughout the history Tuchman would sound like she was listing off too much, but it ultimately came together. so many monarchies being abolished, so too was this the end to how wars were fought.Tuchman illustrates beautifully the alliances and treatises that went in to the build of to war. Tuchman minutely researched the numerous memoirs, journals and biographies of the men of that war in order to tell such a round and complete tale of the war that shattered Europe as they then knew it. By contrast WWII was fought more in regards to one mans ideology, not too mention that technology changed how the war was fought. We understand why each general, bureaucrat and so on did what they did and the choices they made. Meaning that it was a traditional power struggle of neighboring kingdoms and empires that pitted one another against each other. As Tuchman explains it, if Germany hadn't invaded Belgium's neutrality (or Luxembourg's for that matter) then England wouldn't have been brought in to the war and their image would not have been so stained, which, by the end of the war, was the reason so many turned against Germany.Ultimately Tuchman does a fantastic job jumping from Joffre to Moltke, French to von Kluck.
Tuchman's account is arguably one of the more well known histories of the war so it was natural to start with hers. Belgium was the ultimate reason why Germany lost, at least in terms of the way the war was fought. Now I can't wait to read about the rest of the war.4.5 stars. Tuchman did wonderfully in showing just how important the month of August was in how it effected the outcome of the war.The Great War is most certainly the last war of its kind. With The Great War we see Germany and Austria against France and Russia based off of alliances and treaties.
Tuchman used fine detail in describing the positioning of the leaders and units of the start of "the war to end all wars." Humans will never be able to live in harmony with themselves or their environment because they persist in holding fast to an anthropocentric perception of themselves. It never ceases to amaze me, when reading through history how easy it is, for a hand full of arrogant dim wits, to lead a vast multitude to the slaughter. Mrs.
If you are gifting this book this is your edition, a really beautiful job by the book manufacturer to complement what is no doubt a truly remarkable book of the 21st century. Book is built like a tank, great binding, good paper, and an attractive cover and spine design. Of course the writing is amazing but this edition is a wonderful possession. The book I bought (library binding) is great.
I was glad to get it at a reduced price and via such prompt service. This book is a classic, along with The Proud Tower. I had lost my copy of this book in an airport on a recent trip. I wanted another to finish reading and to keep for future reference.
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