Product Description

The combattants thought the Great War was the war to end all wars. It was unlike any other before or since in three neglected but highly significant ways. First, it was unprecendented in its violence and carnage. Why was this, and what were the effects of tolerating it? Second, each side was motivated by a vehement nationalistic, racist animus against the enemy. How did this 'crusade' evolve and what did it mean for Europe and the world? Third, with its millions of deaths the war created a tidal wave of grief. How could mourners ever come to terms with the agonizing pain? The Great War shaped the twentieth century, and especially its disasters. This important new book makes a vital contribution to understanding this traumatic and terrible period in our history. With its wealth of compelling documentary evidence drawn from all sides in the conflict, this innovative work has already established itself as a classic in the history of modern warfare.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #920326 in Books
• Published on: 2002-11-11
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

About the Author
Stephane Audoin-Rouzeau is a Professor of History in Picardy, France. He is the author of The War of the Children, Fighting and The Enemy's Children. Annette Becker is Professor of History in Paris. She has also published Memorials of the Great War, Forgetting the Great War and two other books. The authors are co-founders of the Centre for the History of the Great War at Peronne in the Somme.