The Guns of August

by Barbara W. Tuchman
The Guns of August cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History
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  • ID: 6651
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-27
  • ISBN: 9780345476098
  • Publisher: Presidio Press
  • Published: 2004-08-03
  • Reviews: 3

Barbara W. Tuchman's landmark account re-creates the pivotal first month of World War I, a period that determined the course of the conflict and the century. Beginning with the funeral of Edward VII, Tuchman traces each step that led to the inevitable clash, providing a dizzyingly comprehensive and spectacularly portrayed history with her famous talent for evoking the characters of the war's key players. /n/n This magnum opus is a classic for the ages, offering a deep dive into the political and military strategies that led to the war. Tuchman's work is not just a narrative of events but a profound exploration of the personalities and decisions that shaped history, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the First World War era.

Reviews
Western Front Association · 2025-11-27
compelling 4.75

The narrative is divided into two sections, with the first part focusing on the events leading up to the outbreak of hostilities.

This review from the Western Front Association highlights the book's narrative structure, which is divided into two main sections. The first part, dealing with the 'July Crisis', is particularly noteworthy for its detailed analysis of the events leading up to World War I. The reviewer appreciates the book's historical accuracy and its ability to build a compelling narrative from extensive research. They also note the book's significance in understanding the early days of the war and its impact on the course of history.

Quick quotes

    The narrative arc of the text divides into two sections. The first part deals with events leading up to the outbreak of hostilities, the so-called 'July Crisis'.

    The book presents a veritable grand narrative of the run-up to World War I.

    The book is fantastically researched, building a compelling narrative rooted in copious documents collected from the war.

Lady Dusk · Lady Dusk · 2020-12-15
insightful 3.50

The book is a detailed account of the first month of World War I, but it is a challenging read that took months to complete.

Lady Dusk found 'The Guns of August' to be a phenomenal but demanding read. They describe it as a slog, taking months to push through the 440 pages. Despite the difficulty, they acknowledge the book's thorough detail and its significance in understanding the pivotal month of the First World War. The reviewer appreciates the depth of information but also notes the book's density, which can be overwhelming.

Quick quotes

    A phenomenal slog. It took me months to push my way through this 440 pages detailing the first, pivotal month of the First World War.

    It is a detailed account of the events leading up to and the outbreak of World War I.

    The book is a challenging read but provides valuable insights into the early days of the war.

The Guardian · Guardian Staff · 2014-08-03
brilliant 4.50

The book reads like a novel but is firmly based on historical evidence. It provides a compelling narrative of the events leading up to World War I.

This review highlights how 'The Guns of August' masterfully blends historical facts with a narrative style that makes it engaging and readable. The reviewer appreciates Tuchman's ability to present a complex historical period in an accessible manner. They also note the book's accuracy and the depth of research that went into its creation. The first part of the book, dealing with the 'July Crisis', is particularly praised for its detailed and insightful analysis.

Quick quotes

    The Guns of August reads like a novel but it was history, firmly based on the evidence.

    As Tuchman herself always said, she would not do the 'He said, she said' thing.

    It is a grand narrative of the run-up to World War I.

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