World War I in Outline

by B.H. Liddell Hart

A Concise Account of All the Major Battles, Innovations, and Political Events of the First World War by an Important Military Analyst
An abridgement of the author’s History of the World War, 1914–1918 , and first published in 1936, World War I in Outline is a compact but comprehensive history of the “war to end all wars.” Divided into five parts representing each year of the war, Liddell Hart discusses the war on land, at sea, and in the air while skillfully incorporating the political events occurring at the same time. From his own experiences in the war and through studying the conflict in detail, the author developed and expressed his most important observation about military direct attacks against an enemy firmly in position should not be attempted. He also put forth the notion that battles are more often decided by the commander’s actions and not the armies themselves. A lively and engrossing read, World War I in Outline is an ideal overview in time for the centennial of one of the major wars in history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War I

285 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1936

About the author

British military authority Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart early advocated tank and air warfare.

Usually known as captain before his knighthood, this English soldier and historian led theorists.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B._H._L...

Reviews

[Erik Empson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does much what it says on the tin. Hart suggests he won’t offer much interpretation, merely outline the facts, but he does inevitably discuss the pros and cons of various decisions made. The main point is that military doctrine based on Clausewitzian principles believed in mass – numerical superiority to the opponent. This is what fundamentally caused such a tremendous loss of life. But also important was the jockeying for power by the top soldiers and their relative faults in inability to read situations. Further, the inability to learn from mistakes. The factor of surprise was not used; troops were concentrated on the front line, producing cannon fodder, rather than being thinner to give space to absorb attacks. Attacks were either not pressed home, or they were and became stranded without supply.
It is a pity that this concentrates, like so many of these books, on the Western front. The battles in the east and in the south on Italy’s front don’t get much discussion. The sea war in the Baltic is not mentioned. The war in the air barely. It is a good book to refresh one’s knowledge of the major engagements, but too short for in depth analysis. Even though Hart holds his punches Haig comes across badly for obstinacy and terrible decisions making, and Ludendorff for the latter. Jellicoe comes across poorly for bad judgement.

[John Geddes]

"Brilliant and informed indictment of military stupidity in the first world war."

IHR Revisionist Bibliography 1981
https://archive.is/LWkOQ

[Lghamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a shorter version of one of Liddell Hart's other books (hint: "in outline"). Each chapter is devoted to one year of the war.. I am not that familiar with the specific geography in Europe, so more maps would have been VERY helpful. I found myself googling certain battles so I could see how they were played out on the ground.

[Will Staton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liddell Hart is thorough, even in outlining the war. As always his insights are keen, and his depth of knowledge is profound. Even though he doesn't go into deep tactical detail, he does explain the strategic trends in every theater of the war including overlooked areas such as the Balkans and the Middle East. Anyone who likes military history needs to read at least one book by Liddell Hart.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would really like to recommend this older book for everyone to read. It is a short book that is a great basis for starting to understand the history of the action of WWI.

[Naveed khan]

this is the best book to understand world war 1
must read it.( LT NAVEED)

[James Violand · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all students wanting to understand the futility of war.