More academic than our usual fare, in this work the Editor brings together the work of leading scholars covering a number of fundamental issues rarely covered outside the pages of specialist journals.

Important work. 8/10

The Great War magazine, March 2017 - reviewed by Mark Marsay

This subject is particularly well handled and gives the reader a perspective not presented in other works. A well-balanced series of essays to compliment any library of reference works and one deserving to be read by anyone with an interest in WWI.

Gun Mart, March 2017 - reviewed by John Norris

I review books often, and although my main interest is in the Second World War, I do recommend the following book on the First World War.

The joy of books for me is the range of titles available, and the differing purposes of books, so one can gain differing perspectives of a subject. There are several books that provide personal accounts of war service in the First World War, and others that analyse particular battles, but overall, few that cover the political and military strategic elements of the war. This book helps fill this void.

I admit that I particularly enjoy a book of this style, where several historians have contributed individual chapters, covering a range of issues. The twenty-one chapters cover a review of the Dardanelles and Gallipoli campaign, firepower and equipment in use with the British Army, German Command and Control during the Somme fighting, Facial Surgery, the effect of war on faith, and teenagers in war. With my particular interests in mind, I was very pleased to read the chapter on the Indian Army and the Mesopotamia Campaign.

Another advantage for me with a book of this style, is the ability to pick it up, and read one chapter at a time. You can be really anarchic, and read Chapter 14, followed by Chapter 2, and then 19 if you want to, as each Chapter stands by itself. To read the whole book remains important to gain the full context of the nature of the First World War in this period. All the authors of chapters are distinguished academics in their field, and include Peter LIDDLE himself, Duncan REDFORD, Gary SHEFFIELD, and Robert JOHNSON.

There are eighty photographs included, each one supports the subject of a chapter. There are many I have not seen before, and the quality is good. On the rear of the book it states, ‘Explores key issues such as leadership and command, valour, conscientious objection, military medicine, the Home Front, the role of women, grief and bereavement, the archaeology of the war’, and having read the book twice, I agree fully. In short, a great book, and a thought provoking, yet enjoyable, read.

British Military History, Rob Palmer

This is a timely book, focusing on an important time period during the height of the Great War.  It brings together key and pivotal campaigns and aspects of the war, thus providing the reader with a comprehensive, yet broad sweeping overview of the development of the war from various perspectives...

The book is complimented by a series fascinating photographs which reinforce the key themes of each chapter, including a magnificent shot of men at Gallipoli studying orders, some of the British fleet following Jutland,  and a British wiring party slogging through mud on the Somme a young munitions girl working on a 60-pounder shell, and reconstruction of a wounded soldiers face via medical advances. A further chapter provides an overview of how various kinds  of telecommunications were developed and used by the British military during 1914-18.

It is mentioned in one chapter that the centenary period is an 'exceptional opportunity for researchers, groups, schools, and academics to contribute towards a deeper understanding of the Great War' and that this presents us with an opportunity to re-examine previous records, make alterations and perhaps commonly held myths.  This book certainly fulfils that task. If you are looking for a book that provides an overview of the facets of World War One, this is it.

Jon Sandison, Freelance

Peter Liddle and his team of leading specialists have produced a provoking new book that features the latest research into WWI. The publishers have already established a reputation for this type of book and set new standards, highly recommended.

Read the full review here.

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