Essential reading on the first world war : a book not about military strategy or the day to day progress of battles, but the special character - and consequences - of the most violent war in history. The combatants 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.