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Title: The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman, Robert K. Massie ISBN: 0-613-18717-2 Publisher: Bt Bound Pub. Date: October, 2001 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $24.55 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.62 (102 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Simply the greatest history book ever written
Comment: What Barbara Tuchman has done here is something precious few historians are able to do. With her stunning prose and fathomless knowledge, she brings to life that first fateful month of World War One. The historical figures she describes seem more like a collection of characters from an action novel. More than once I found myself saying "Did they really do that?" Ordinarily I can only read about 75 pages at a time before I start to lose interest and need a break. This book I began one morning and didn't put it down until I finished it. Tuchman kept my interest throughout and at times, though I knew the outcome, I found myself sitting at the edge of my chair wondering what would happen next. Even some of the best novels do not have this kind of power.
As for the book itself, it covers only the first month of the war. Though it does go into some depth of the war's origins, the main focus is on the movement and action of the armies from mobilization day until stalemate is reached. Tuchman's research is exhaustive, and this is the definitive work on that period. When the book was finished, I was disappointed only because she didn't continue. I wish I could give this more than five stars. If you have any interest in history whatsoever, regardless of your field, you must read this book, because this is what history should be!
Rating: 5
Summary: 30 days that changed the world...
Comment: Barbara Tuchman's account of the outbreak of the First World War is the definitive book on the subject. From the political crises and entangling alliances that characterized Europe in 1914 to the "damn fool thing in the Balkans" that set the war machines in motion, Tuchman provides insight and clarity to a complex situation.
Tuchman goes beyond the superfluous details of the alliances and actions which brought the war about to bring about a deeper understanding of the prevailing attitudes in each country. She explains the German approach through the expansionist philosophy of Hegel and Nietzsche, along with the ideas of Clausewitz on how to fight a war and deal with conquered enemies. Also the political culture in France (where government was rapidly changing, especially with regards to mandatory military service), and the English policy of sending only volunteers abroad, and only when enough replacements could be brought back from remote outposts all over the world. These and many other meticulously resarched details provide a fascinating depth to the story.
Also very interesting are the studies in character of the main players in the drama of August 1914. Joffre, French, von Kluck, and the German Kaiser (among many others) are studied in detail, in an effort to understand the decisions each made through the first month of the war. To her credit, Tuchman doesn't place thoughts in anyone's head; reasons for action are given in the individual's own words (as recorded in journals or official histories), or when the reason is not clear, Tuchman gives a number of possible answers puctuated by the fact that we can't be sure exactly what anyone was thinking.
This is a brilliant book. Thorough from the battles on the western front to the well-intentioned if ill-conceived Russian offensive at Tannenberg, along with an interesting subplot with the German battle cruiser Goeben, the intricate detail, along with Tuchman's reader-friendly writing style, make for some great reading.
Rating: 4
Summary: History can be fun and instructive
Comment: Whoa! I loved this book. I like Keegan's books, too. It's hard to say which is best. Tuchman describes a lot of personalites. Keegan has more relevant facts and explore strategies better. I read both auhors will equal fervor. I plan to read her "Stillwell and the American Experience in China".
I've lent this book to several other non-history buffs and they can't get past page 50. Obvioulsy they will not be going to Amazon and entering a 1 star rating!
You should love history before opening the book.
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Title: Proud Tower by Barbara W. Tuchman ISBN: 0345405013 Publisher: Ballantine Books Pub. Date: 27 August, 1996 List Price(USD): $15.95 |
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Title: Zimmermann Telegram by Barbara W. Tuchman ISBN: 0345324250 Publisher: Ballantine Books Pub. Date: 12 March, 1985 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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Title: The March of Folly : From Troy to Vietnam by Barbara W. Tuchman ISBN: 0345308239 Publisher: Ballantine Books Pub. Date: 12 February, 1985 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara W. Tuchman ISBN: 0345349571 Publisher: Ballantine Books Pub. Date: 12 July, 1987 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
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Title: The First World War by John Keegan ISBN: 0375700455 Publisher: Vintage Pub. Date: 16 May, 2000 List Price(USD): $16.00 |
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