The Great War, 1914-1918, and: Who's Who in World War One (review)

If the publication of general histories is any indication, the revived interest in World War I continues unabated. Recent histories range from Hew Strachan's magisterial study (only one of his projected three volumes has so far been published) to a slim volume (only 154 pages) by the distinguished historian Michael Howard. Most recent histories, which include studies by Gerald J. De Groot, Spencer C. Tucker, Martin Gilbert, and John Keegan, have adopted a chronological approach and emphasize military campaigns. Niall Ferguson, with his idiosyncratic and counter-factual approach, would be one exception. Ian F. W. Beckett, a prolific historian, also departs from the norm in his The Great War 1914-1918. In his attempt to examine and explain the Great War in all of its complexity, he employs a thematic analysis. This allows him to examine such topics as economics, the expansion of the war beyond Europe, civil-military relations, war aims, science and war, the raising and training of armies, the impact of the war on the state and society, and revolution. He also explores both the origins and outcome of the conflict. An outstanding chapter, "Wasteland?," examines and challenges the images of the war that continue to dominate popular culture and historiography. Beckett, whose treatment goes well beyond the English-speaking world, succeeds in covering the war whole. This work would be especially useful in upper level and graduate classes, not least because of its depth of scholarship, which is reflected by its extensive bibliography and citations. Beckett has neglected few, if any, relevant sources in his research.

J. M. Bourne's Who's Who in World War One serves as an excellent complement to Beckett's general history. Bourne, the author of a succinct, scholarly, and immensely readable history of Britain's role in World War I, provides over one thousand biographical entries on the leading individuals of World War I. Figures from all walks of life and from most of the belligerent powers, among others, generals, admirals, kings, spies, labor leaders, journalists, painters, inventors, poets, and politicians, are included. This is no cut and paste job. The style is lively, and the carefully chosen entries are insightful and interesting. Bourne, acquainted with the latest scholarship, does not hesitate to make judgments, especially when rehabilitating the reputations of military leaders such as Lord Kitchener, Sir William Robertson, and Sir Douglas Haig, who he believes have been victimized by the purple prose of David Lloyd George.

Both of these books under review reflect the cutting edge of scholarship on the Great War and serve as an antidote to the "butchers and bunglers" school. They are highly recommended and their price is very reasonable.