2008-09-02 1918: A very British victory

I've had an interest in general history since school days - a long time ago now. However I still find it rare to engage with a history book - often a succession of facts, dates, kings and queens. That is what is so refreshing and invigorating about Peter Hart's 1918. Real people, real stories woven by the author into a strong narrative that explains, clearly and concisely the strategic thinking from the top of the food chain down to the fortunes and misfortunes of the `poor bloody infantry'. This is a history book that really brings the first world war to life - and all too often - death. It demonstrates how the new boys on the block, the Americans, vital to the final victory - had to go through their own learning curve - they didn't learn from the suffering of the British in the previous 4 years and consequently lost many men in the early days that should have lived through it.

If you want facts and dates this book will give it to you. In addition you get the real human story and in my book that makes it a must read.