The Price of Glory

by Alistair Horne
The Price of Glory cover
Good Books rating 4.58
History
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7253
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9780140170412
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 1963-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Price of Glory delves into the grueling ten-month Battle of Verdun, a conflict that saw at least 700,000 men fall along a fifteen-mile front. Unlike typical battles, its aim was not to defeat the enemy but to bleed them to death, leaving a haunting wilderness in its wake. Alistair Horne's classic work, continuously in print for over fifty years, provides a sympathetic and deeply moving analysis of the battle and the soldiers who endured it. It serves as a key to understanding the First World War, the mentalities of those who waged it, and the world that shaped their actions. The book is not just a historical account but a poignant exploration of the human cost of war and the enduring impact on the landscape and the minds of those involved. Horne's work is a testament to the importance of Verdun in the broader context of the war and its lasting legacy.

Reviews
A View Over the Bell Blog · 2025-12-13
excellent 4.50

The author is described as a skilful writer, and the book is praised for its thoughtful and well-researched history of the Battle of Verdun. It is considered a fine and moving account of one of the most horrific battles in World War I.

This reviewer highlights the author's skillful writing and the book's thoughtful presentation of the Battle of Verdun. They appreciate the author's ability to convey the horrors of the battle in a moving and sympathetic manner. The reviewer also commends the book's well-researched and comprehensive coverage of the subject, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in World War I history. The book is seen as a fine and moving account of one of the most horrific battles in the war, and the reviewer highly recommends it.

Quick quotes

    Alistair Horne is a skilful writer, and The Price of Glory is a well thought-out history of what is the most horrific battle in a horrific war.

    The book is praised for its thoughtful and well-researched history of the Battle of Verdun.

    It is considered a fine and moving account of one of the most horrific battles in World War I.

Reddit - WarCollege · 2025-12-13
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its enduring relevance and thoroughness, making it a valuable reference for understanding the Battle of Verdun. It is considered a well-researched and insightful work.

This reviewer highly recommends the book, noting its lasting impact and comprehensive coverage of the Battle of Verdun. They appreciate the author's ability to present complex historical events in an accessible manner. The book is seen as a testament to the author's deep understanding of the subject, making it a go-to resource for anyone interested in World War I history. The reviewer also highlights the book's enduring relevance, suggesting it has stood the test of time and remains a valuable reference.

Quick quotes

    This book IS very good.

    Enough of it has stood the test of time that if I was writing about Verdun, I would happily use it as a reference.

    The book is praised for its enduring relevance and thoroughness.

Sidney Roundwood Blog · 2013-04-13
great 4.75

The book is meticulously organized and comprehensive, showcasing the author's considerable scholarship. It is praised for its clear and engaging presentation of the Battle of Verdun.

This reviewer commends the book for its meticulous organization and comprehensive coverage of the Battle of Verdun. They appreciate the author's ability to wear their considerable scholarship lightly, making the text accessible and engaging. The reviewer also highlights the author's clear presentation of complex historical events, which makes the book a valuable resource for both academics and general readers. The book is seen as a profound and sympathetic study of the battle and the men who fought there.

Quick quotes

    The book is meticulously organized and comprehensive and wears its considerable scholarship lightly.

    The text benefits from the author's clearly.

    The book is praised for its clear and engaging presentation of the Battle of Verdun.

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