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The First World War |
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T he First World War byJohn Keegan Random House (Vintage Books) 475 pages, May 2000 ISBN 0676972241 Reviewed by Morgan Ann Adams World War I is widely considered the defining event in the creation of modern society. John Keegan explores this war, not merely in its historical context, but in its influence on civilization as a whole. With intense detail, Keegan offers an amazingly comprehensive study of the complications leading to the First World War, the war itself and its aftermath, including the Second World War. This in depth characterization of battle surpasses its simple title, bringing a new view to the history of the entire world in the twentieth century and beyond. The First World War is an intriguing mix of detailed historical data and personality based anecdotes. Though not a book for the uninspired, Keegan offers a seat in his classroom, where those willing and anxious to understand will find a wealth of knowledge. Keegan's insights are well placed, occurring in time with statistical information. By focusing on the world, The First World War takes into account many of the smaller issues and coincidences, without which there would not have been a war. Keegan takes away the hackneyed popular knowledge that the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand was responsible for the ignition of ire in Europe. Instead, he delves deep into the psychological aspects of the leaders making decisions at that time, and the technological restraints and advances that changed the way war is waged for eternity. According to Keegan, World War I was the first time countries used pre-planned war strategies, instead of reacting to battles initiated by an enemy. This, combined with new weapons, forced the last real bloody trench battles. The psychological and philosophical aspects of war are most interesting. Rather than preaching on the evils of war, Keegan encourages his audience by proffering examples of the damage human minds and weapons can enact on the bodies and psyches of the world. Without doubt, John Keegan is one of the world's foremost historians. The depth of his understanding, not merely in the past but in the present, brings a sense of immediacy to the study of history. The First World War is a book meant to teach about the present state of the world through the exploration of our past. |
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