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The First World War: A Masterpiece of Military History by John Keegan

Allan James

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The First World War

by John Keegan

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15187 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	516 pages

The First World War By John Keegan The First World War John Keegan

John Keegan's The First World War is a classic work of military history that provides a comprehensive and insightful account of the conflict. First published in 1998, the book has been widely praised for its clear and concise prose, its balanced and objective analysis, and its ability to convey the human experience of war.

Key Themes

Keegan's book explores a number of key themes, including:

The origins of the war
The military strategies and tactics of the belligerents
The impact of the war on the home fronts
The legacy of the war

Keegan argues that the war was caused by a complex set of factors, including the rise of nationalism, the growth of militarism, and the failure of the European powers to resolve their diplomatic disputes peacefully. He also examines the impact of the war on the development of military technology, the role of propaganda, and the changing nature of warfare.

Strengths

The First World War is a well-written and engaging book that is accessible to both general readers and scholars. Keegan's prose is clear and concise, and he provides a wealth of detail without overwhelming the reader. He also has a gift for storytelling, and his accounts of the war's major battles are both informative and moving.

Another strength of the book is its balanced and objective analysis. Keegan does not shy away from criticizing the mistakes made by the belligerents, but he also gives credit where credit is due. He is also fair-minded in his assessment of the war's legacy, acknowledging both its positive and negative aspects.

Impact

The First World War has had a lasting impact on the study of military history. It is now considered one of the definitive works on the subject, and it has been used as a textbook in universities around the world. The book has also been translated into more than 20 languages, and it has been praised by critics and scholars alike.

Keegan's book has also had a significant impact on the public's understanding of the war. It has helped to dispel many of the myths and misconceptions that have surrounded the conflict, and it has given readers a better appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who fought in it.

John Keegan's The First World War is a masterpiece of military history. It is a comprehensive, insightful, and well-written book that is accessible to both general readers and scholars. The book has had a lasting impact on the study of military history, and it has helped to shape the public's understanding of the war.

The First World War

by John Keegan

4.5 out of 5