Status Updates From The First World War: A Comp...

WWI started almost accidentally but continues due to greed of various countries, all hoping to come out better in land if they choose the right side. In the midst of the bungling of the politicians, soldiers fight bravely and die. Very bleak.

Superb. I read Gilbert's THE HOLOCAUST years ago, and it was great. His scholarship is impressive, but what distinguishes his books in my mind is that he never loses sight of the fact that real people are involved in these battles, not just troops. He includes letters written home, interviews with survivors, etc. I'm going to read this in sections, 20% at a time.