s/t: World War I and Its Violent Climax
"November 11, 1918. The final hours pulsate with tension as every man in the trenches hopes to escape the ...
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reviews
Dec 26, 2008
IN PROGRESS NOTES:
I vividly remember reading The Donkeys by Alan Clarke (comes from the phrase, "lions led by donkeys") many years ago that described the total incompetence of the British Expeditionary Force generals in WW I. They were completely unable to adapt to new technologies and insisted on fighting with tactics of previous wars. Joseph Persico doesn't let them off lightly either although that's not his primary mission. The Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day... refers to t More...
I vividly remember reading The Donkeys by Alan Clarke (comes from the phrase, "lions led by donkeys") many years ago that described the total incompetence of the British Expeditionary Force generals in WW I. They were completely unable to adapt to new technologies and insisted on fighting with tactics of previous wars. Joseph Persico doesn't let them off lightly either although that's not his primary mission. The Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day... refers to t More...
Oct 01, 2009
Jason
rated it: 
This was very well done. Having read books on WWI before, I was happy to see a good deal of new material, and a somewhat fresh perspective on some of the more redundant facts and figures. Concentrating on the last hours of the war, Persico introduces us to certain members of each of the armies involved at the beginning of that last day, then backtracks and tells their story throughout the war, bringing them up to that fateful last day. A fascinating journey that spotlights men who had endured
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Jan 30, 2010
Richard E
rated it: 
A real eye-opener into the ravages of the trench warfare that occured in World War I - and into the useless and massive loss of life on both sides (Germany and the Allied nations - France, Britain and later - U. S. A.) The miseries of fighters in the trenches on both sides are well-documented by Persico who's research for the book was excellent. Since my grandfather fought in WWI, it really made me understand what he likely endured (including the dreaded mustard gas attacks) that, later, contri
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Jun 26, 2009
'Aussie Rick'
rated it:
"11th Month, 11th Day, 11th Hour" by Joseph Persico is an interesting and captivating book covering not only the final moments of the Great War but also offering a general history of the war from its beginning in 1914. The author follows a number of characters, great and small, throughout the narrative. We follow the paths and final fate of a number of soldiers from America, Britain, France, and Germany. We also get glimpses of those who control their destiny, Foch, Haig, Hindenburg an
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Jul 24, 2011
Kimbeattie
rated it:
Very good book about World War I and in particular the final days of the war and the almost criminal neglect of the Allied Generals for the welfare of the Allied soldiers who were ordered to continue attacking German positions right up to the armistice deadline even though nothing would be gained by doing so except the unnecessary death of soldiers on both sides of the line. Reading this book, one would think that now they were winning the war, the Allied Generals didn't want the war to end.
Aug 03, 2009
TJ
rated it: 
More than I really needed to know about the history of WWI, but still very interesting. The sheer amount of casualities and the extend of the damage is amazing. It is amazing to think that so manhy men died and so many were devasted because of such small reasons, as a Kaiser's pride. And then to have so many die on the last day is so distressing and disturbing.
Mar 31, 2010
Converse
rated it:
The author describes World War I on the western front through soldier's memories, starting with the last day. Interestingly, many allied generals insisting on fighting for land that the Germans would evacuate under the armistice.
Sep 11, 2011
Rashmi
rated it: 
24 pages in: The author gives an overly simplistic and misleading explanation of the build-up to WWI and lays the blame solely on Kaiser Wilhelm II. Completely overlooks the fact that the Kaiser was desperately writing his cousin Tsar Nicholas to prevent a war. He writes that Germany dragged a reluctant Austria into the war, which is the exact opposite of the truth.
Page 26: The author starts talking about Hitler. What does Hitler have to do with Armistice Day?
I refuse to More...
Page 26: The author starts talking about Hitler. What does Hitler have to do with Armistice Day?
I refuse to More...
Jun 11, 2009
Audrey
rated it:
I loved this book. Wonderful history of the end of WWI. I was absorbed in the book and learned so much from it.
Jul 01, 2010
Danielle
rated it:
Fantastic book about the final hours of World War 1 and how nothing was really properly resolved.
Aug 22, 2010
Dimmy-jimmy
rated it:
EXCELLENT BOOK ABOUIT THE LAST 30 MINUTES OFF WW1. Our commanders should have been arrested for war crimes. I had no idea this happened,I was shocked with disbilief, it made my stomach hurt.
Jul 07, 2008
Erin
rated it:
An excellent history book - explains the 'big picture' and is full of personal stories too. The zipping back and forth in time is not a problem at all - it works very well here for building suspense and of course also building up the reader's frustration with the stupidity of most decision makers in that war.
Sep 15, 2008
Harold
rated it:
Good anecdotal history about the end of war we've mostly forgotten about . Though, it perhaps focuses a little too much on people who would be important in the next war instead of the important people in WWI, which is why you pick up the book in the first place.
Aug 11, 2008
J.a.
rated it:
I'm giving it a five-star rating based on the jacket and a quick scan of the text. I haven't taken the time to really digest this one, but what I've read hits like a ton of bricks.
Oct 08, 2008
Jason
rated it:
Persico is a fab writer, crafting histories that read like novels. I loved Nuremberg:Infamy on Trial, and this book is at least as readable.
Nov 18, 2007
Thomas
rated it:
Any given chapter holds up well, but as a total narrative, a bit confused.
Feb 12, 2012
Feb 07, 2012
