World War I: The Definitive Visual History, from Sarajevo to Versailles

Capturing the full experience of WWI is a formidable task, but this new, comprehensive account by historian Grant comes close. He presents information in an accessible manner and makes it easy to peruse a rich array of articles, detailed maps, and images. Remarkable yet little-known figures like Eugene Bullard, an African-American who became the world’s first black fighter pilot, are given their due alongside major figures like Marshal Pétain and Field Marshal von Hindenburg. The selection of images builds a remarkable portrait of the war, including an aerial camera used to observe enemy troop movements, wartime propaganda posters, a pigeon named Cher Ami awarded the Croix de Guerre for bravery, and sculptures created by Kathe Kollwitz in honor of her son slain at the first battle of Ypres. Eyewitness accounts of the 1914 Christmas Truce, and startling details like Gen. Douglas Haig’s insistence that cavalry armed with sabers had a place in modern warfare, serve as reminders of both the remarkable displays of respect and horrifying incompetence that arose during the conflict. This is a broad, moving, informative account of the war that’s perfect for both the young, budding historian and the well-versed WWI reader. Photos and illus. (May)