The First World War

by John Keegan
The First World War cover
Good Books rating 4.33
History
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Paperback • £20.00
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  • ID: 7221
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9780375400520
  • Publisher: Knopf
  • Published: 1999-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The First World War offers a comprehensive examination of the events leading up to World War I, the military strategies employed, and the key world leaders who influenced its outcome. This book provides a detailed analysis of the war's social and economic impact, offering insights into how the conflict reshaped societies and economies across the globe. /n/n Beyond the battlefield, the book explores the political and diplomatic maneuvers that defined the war, providing a nuanced understanding of the international dynamics at play. It also delves into the personal stories of those who lived through the war, offering a human perspective on one of history's most pivotal events.

Reviews
The Historian's Manifesto · 2019-09-17
comprehensive 4.50

The book provides a panoramic view of the war, balancing epic scope with personal details. It is praised for its comprehensive yet accessible approach.

This review highlights how Keegan masterfully balances the vast scope of World War I with intimate details, making the conflict feel both grand and personal. They appreciate the book's ability to cover the war's epic scale without losing sight of the individual experiences that define it. The reviewer also notes that Keegan's writing is engaging and accessible, making it a valuable read for both historians and general readers. They conclude that the book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Great War.

Quick quotes

    Keegan provides a panoramic view of the war in an epic format while still providing the necessary details that show the conflict from a more up close, personal perspective.

    The book is praised for its comprehensive yet accessible approach.

    Keegan's writing is engaging and accessible, making it a valuable read for both historians and general readers.

Medium · 2018-01-01
comprehensive 4.50

Keegan covers all aspects of the war, including the personalities of key players. The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage.

This review highlights Keegan's ability to cover all aspects of the war, from the battles themselves to the personalities of the key players. The reviewer appreciates the depth of analysis and the insightful commentary on the strategies and decisions that shaped the conflict. They also note that the book is well-written and engaging, making it a pleasure to read. The reviewer concludes that it is a must-read for anyone interested in military history or the Great War.

Quick quotes

    Keegan does a masterful job of covering all aspects of this huge war — not just the battles themselves, but the personalities of the key players.

    The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage and insightful commentary.

    The reviewer concludes that it is a must-read for anyone interested in military history or the Great War.

The Millions · 2004-07-21
balanced 4.00

The book successfully balances specifics without overwhelming the reader with minutiae. It offers a well-rounded perspective on the war.

The reviewer found that Keegan's book strikes a perfect balance, providing enough detail to satisfy historians while remaining accessible to general readers. They particularly appreciate the inclusion of lesser-known campaigns, such as those in Greece, which add depth to the narrative. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-structured, making it easy to follow the chronology and key events of the war. They conclude that it is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the complexities of World War I.

Quick quotes

    The First World War neither skimped on the specifics nor did it overwhelm with minutiae.

    I learned about the Greek campaigns and other lesser-known aspects of the war.

    The book is well-structured, making it easy to follow the chronology and key events of the war.

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