– Customer review on 27/01/2009

A very well written piece that covers in detail the events of August 1914. The book is rumoured to have been read by JFK during the Cuban missile crisis and is said to have an impact on the direction he took during that time. The relevance is startling, with military commanders so set in their plans they are unwilling to adjust as the events took place, with the end result of over 10 million dead.
As far as historical writing goes it is very easy to read and flows well between the different points of view.
Little bias is shown by the author, which is an essential and often lacking aspect of historical writing. She seems to be willing to malign and praise the figures studied equally.
I'm not sure how factually correct the book is but given the continued rave reviews for the book nearly 40 years after it was published one has to imagine that the book stands up well to scrutiny.
If you're looking for a book to point the finger at someone for starting the Great War this is not it. However if you're looking for an insight into the military and political blunders that lead to (at that time) the greatest conflict known to man this is the way to go.
Highly recommended.

– Customer review on 07/02/2009

Meticulously researched, never dry or too technical, Mrs Tuchman elegantly examines the personalities & egos of the major players leading up to & in the first month of the Great War.
In August, the highly trained German Army, employing the Schlieffen Plan smashes its way through Belgium & drives, in a great sweep towards Paris.
At the climax to her story, General von Kluck underestimates the French Army & makes a crucial error at the River Marne. The consequent defeat ultimately forces the troops into four years of trench warfare.
Highly recommended.