Published by
Headline Books
ISBN: 0 7472 7157 7 HB 298 pages £20.00
Gary Sheffield should be commended most highly for producing a Great War
history book that explains what actually happened. In this volume, he makes
use of hundreds of references, in doing so he illuminates the truth about
the war. Many writers of history make great assumptions
regarding their
reader’s levels of education! How often do we see quotes in Latin, this is
fine if one was educated under a strict academic system, however many people
were not and have no knowledge of Latin. In this book all
such quotes are
translated into English. This
enhances ones enjoyment of the book. No longer
do you end up reading a book from cover to cover taking in everything apart
from the quotes.
Additionally he takes time to explain every commonly known 'fact'. An
example would be the content of the Zimmerman Telegram. Many people have
heard of its existence, how many know what it contained.
Each aspect of the war is looked at in a clear and concise way. The
popular
myths about the war are examined and with good research, they are shown to be
myths and are then rightly consigned to the dustbin of historical legend.
The research that the author has made in order to produce this book is first
class. It is used to clarify what actually happened. The numerous references
are a marvel in themselves leading to a notes section running to some 35
pages. This notes section provides the reader with a first class
opportunity to expand ones further reading with confidence.
This book has been well received by many in the Great War history field,
however it did face some quiet vitriolic criticism from certain sections of
the historical press. Those who criticized this book should be viewed as the
purveyors of myth and legend. Their comments should be ignored as poorly
conceived.
This book is highly commended and one should find it a great addition to
ones Great War library.
Reviewer: Martin Hornby
