This is an outstanding overview of the campaigns, triggers and events of the Great War. Neiberg presents a thoughtful analysis of how and why events happened and particularly valuable, how lessons from one engagement were carried forward (or not) by the troops and commanders through the conflict. The writing style is easy to follow without being overly conversational. Pictures are well chosen and diagrams/maps provided when necessary.



Neiberg works through each major time period of the conflict covering all the fronts, providing an easy to follow understanding of the strategic dilemmas commanders and political leaders were looking at at the time, which allows for a better understanding of why certain decisions were made and their impact on future operations.



I found this to be particularly valuable having recently read Keegan's The First World War. The data from Keegan was more readily understood through the lens Nieberg provides.



This would be a particularly valuable book to either read as a jumping off point for further exploration, or as a more strategic/analytic look after having read one of the denser histories of the conflict.



Recommended.