World War I: A Short History

by Michael J. Lyons

Book Overview

Explores the origins, course, and effects of the First World War. Offers a synthesis of various interpretations of the many controversies of the war, as well as analysis of the peace settlement and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0130205516
• ISBN13: 9780130205513
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 354 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.0" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A clear military/political history of the First World War

This is a clear, readable textbook that covers the background of the war, wartime developments on all fronts, and the aftermath of the war. The focus is almost entirely on Europe; there is one chapter on the war outside Europe, but little attention otherwise to the involvement of non-Europeans (primarily via colonial empires) in the war effort. The focus is political and military, with occasional discussion of economic matters. There is little social and no cultural history--for those topics, look elsewhere. The maps are clear (though I would prefer more of them), and there are some photos--though for the price of this book, I would have expected more illustrations. It has a list of recommended reading and takes account of a good deal of recent research. The writing isn't gripping--it is a textbook, after all--but it's clear. Section headings help readers keep track of major trends.