It's been an incredibly long while since I last delved into a book about the First World War. However, I have perused many such works in the past and was always determined to return to its rich histories during this Centennial period of the conflict. The one book that had long been on my reading list but I had never quite managed to get around to was Barbara W. Tuchman's "The Guns of August".

I had heard numerous rave reviews about its excellence from many people I trust, and for the most part, their praise was well-founded. This was especially true when it came to the two major strengths of "The Guns of August".

First and foremost, Tuchman's decision to zero in on the leaders who plunged the world into war, as well as the generals and decision-makers who fought during that fateful August, was a stroke of genius. This choice transformed the book into a captivating and dramatic character study. At times, it was told with the flair and panache of a fiction writer, delving deep into the strengths and weaknesses, the passions and foibles, the hatreds and loyalties of her characters. Ludendorff and Hindenburg loom large on the Eastern Front for the Germans; King Alfred of Belgium takes on heroic proportions as he defends his nation in the opening weeks of the conflict; Franchet d'Esperey and Gallieni emerge as the decisive figures who pull France back from the brink; John French, the commander of the BEF, comes across as a man out of his element; while Joseph Joffre sits above them all as the calm, unflappable savior of the Allied cause. It's all incredibly entertaining and satisfies the reader's craving to read about great individuals accomplishing great feats.

Secondly, Tuchman's microscopic focus on a tiny period of the First World War is another remarkable aspect of the book. There are no grand overviews here. As the title suggests, this is a detailed examination of that first August of the war. We witness how many (but not all) of the pieces fit together to lead inevitably to the conflict, and Tuchman provides a thrilling account of all of August's engagements - from Germany's near victory and close capture of Paris to France's near repulsion of the Huns and their almost ending of the war in just one month. It all unfolds before the trenches that have become synonymous with WWI are dug, before the war devolves into a quagmire of mud, gas, horror, and attrition, and before hindsight can cloud and distort the decisions made by the great decision-makers. Just like her focus on great men, Tuchman's narrow focus lends itself to a compelling narrative, and reading this book is an absolute thrill.

For all of its many qualities, however, "The Guns of August" is not without its flaws. And interestingly, these flaws are also rooted in the book's strengths. Tuchman's focus on the great leaders makes perfect sense within the context of her history book and the story it is trying to tell. However, it also makes it too easy for her own biases to seep through (a criticism I find myself making about nearly every historian. My apologies to historians everywhere). It is all too evident who the people are that she most admires (a cadre of French generals top the list), too easy to discern whose side she is on (England's) and which side she despises and blames (the Germans). These biases lack subtlety, and when combined with her narrow focus, their lack of nuance is compounded by a tendency to oversimplify - an increase in black and white, of contrast, and a decrease in the shades of grey.

Despite its flaws, "The Guns of August" remains an excellent piece of work, especially if you have a good knowledge of the First World War but have taken a break from studying this decidedly depressing period and are in need of a way back in.

P.S. Nadia May's narration of the audio version is simply perfect. She expertly delivers light versions of all the accents, which work beautifully without any silly attempts at impersonation. And she sounds uncannily like Penelope Wilton, Downton Abbey's Isobel Crawley (amongst other roles), which is a real treat for any fan of Downton who loves Matthew's Mum.

The Guns of August, which started World War I, was probably one of the most influential movements in human history. But how much do we really know about this war?

The Guns of August

I listened to the summary of this book on B Plus Podcast. Here is the link: https://soundcloud.com/bplus-podcast/...

The book "The Peace that Ended All Peace" is also of this type of historical book that you can listen to on B Plus Podcast.

It is important to study and understand historical events like World War I to avoid repeating the same mistakes. By reading books and listening to podcasts, we can gain a deeper understanding of the past and use that knowledge to shape a better future.

We should also remember the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in the war and honor their memory.

I read this book back in the 90s, or perhaps even the 80s, long before my days on Goodreads.com. As a result, I didn't write my own review at that time. However, the following review from the 2007 PageADay Book Lover's Calendar brought it back to my mind:

AWARD WINNERS

In Tuchman's Pulitzer Prize-winning history, the events leading up to World War I are presented with astonishing clarity, elegance, drama, and authority. Reading it not only allows you to learn about WWI but also helps you understand what makes a book on history truly outstanding.

\\n  THE GUNS OF AUGUST,\\n by Barbara W. Tuchman (1962; Ballantine Books, 1994)

This book is a remarkable piece of historical literature. Tuchman's detailed research and engaging writing style make it a captivating read. She skillfully weaves together the complex web of political, social, and military events that led to the outbreak of the war. The characters come to life on the page, and you can't help but be drawn into their stories. Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this important period in history, "The Guns of August" is a must-read.

The Guns of August which I read in September







“Nothing so comforts the military mind as the maxim of a great but dead general.”

― Barbara W. Tuchman, The Guns of August



What an astonishing work of historical writing this is. Tuchman masterfully reveals how August 1914 was shaped by two flawed plans, namely Plan 17 and the Schlieffen Plan. She also delves into the actions and mindsets of generals and politicians who were either overly optimistic or pessimistic at the wrong moments. The author details how the inadvertent acts of disgraced generals might have actually saved France. Moreover, she explores how the politics and national moods of France, Germany, Russia, and Great Britain potentially contributed to the length of the Great War.



After the Civil War and the War of Franco-Prussian War of 1870, war had transformed into an entirely new entity. At the beginning of August, few leaders truly understood this. However, by September 1914, it was impossible for those living on the European continent to avoid realizing that war would never be the same again. The vividness and drama of Tuchman's narrative make this book seem as if it were delivered by powerful 420-millimetre siege howitzers. Each chapter left me completely devastated as I read. I am extremely grateful that I wasn't a part of the French (or Belgian or German or Russian) military in August of 1914.

While the world was embroiled in the turmoil of the Great War, there were numerous intricate aspects beyond the political and military build-ups. Barbara W. Tuchman, a highly regarded historian and award winner, crafted a trilogy centered around the Great War. The second installment delves into the first month of military action. Tuchman presents compelling theses regarding the diverse perspectives of different countries and their military endeavors across Europe. The book keeps readers engaged as Tuchman contrasts and compares various military skirmishes that took place during those crucial first thirty days of the Great War. It is a remarkable continuation of the trilogy, leaving the reader fully prepared for Tuchman's final commentary on the Great War, which I am eagerly anticipating.

World sentiment in the late 19th century varied significantly among different European societies, as explored by Barbara W. Tuchman in the first book of this trilogy. Now, with the cannons booming and troops ready to invade, Tuchman aims to recreate the first month of the Great War. The August days of 1914 saw the prominent powers - Germany, England, Russia, and France - laying the foundation for what would become a bloody and protracted conflict, in which Europe seemed to almost come to a standstill. Tuchman examines the development of political and military clashes that led to the events in August 1914, starting with the funeral of Edward VIII. The inevitable clash was neither unexpected nor rapid, as Tuchman makes clear that it was a gradual release of tensions by various governments, both elected and monarchical. She explores the clashes between the three monarch cousins - King George V, Kaiser Wilhelm, and Tsar Nicholas - and their respective militaries, which engaged in interesting ways throughout the first thirty days of the battle.

Tuchman's magnum opus not only endeavors to analyze the bloody opening of the war but also to demonstrate how quickly the situation escalated from a domino effect of countries joining the fray to four major military powers. The German offensive proved beneficial in the opening month, yet it also set the stage for a build-up by the English and French forces, as more blood was shed and soldiers did not return home. The narrative progresses at a brisk pace, allowing the reader to witness all the moving parts. The exploration of events is not only effective but also captivating, as the book gains momentum. Tuchman is unafraid to present her views and uses her remarkable analytical skills to immerse the reader in the midst of it all, while still attempting to maintain an objective stance. Although the book is long and its content can be somewhat dense, it provides a wealth of information about the exploration of just 30 days, leaving the reader to process and understand what they will. The lengthy chapters require the reader to buckle up for the journey, but they are rewarded with a wealth of interesting analysis. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am eager to see how the story will unfold in the final part of the trilogy, hoping not to lose my way.

Kudos to Madam Tuchman for this outstanding novel that left me with no doubt as to why it won a Pulitzer Prize.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others can be found at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

What a load of nonsense this book is!

Even for the time in which it was written, its content is highly questionable.

The casual dismissal of all but the western front is not just poor historiography; it is faulty reasoning.

It completely忽视了其他重要的方面和因素，呈现出一种片面和不准确的历史观。

While I wanted to give it at least two stars because of the quality of its writing, I think the fact that millions have been misled by this tripe is sufficiently important that it merits nothing more than one.

The influence of such a book can have a significant impact on people's understanding of history, and it is crucial to point out its flaws.

We should strive for more accurate and comprehensive historical accounts to ensure that future generations have a better understanding of the past.

For The Centenary Of The Great War

The year 2014 commemorates the 100th anniversary of World War I, leading to the publication of numerous books in remembrance. After delving into some recent historical accounts and becoming intrigued, I read Barbara Tuchman's renowned work, "The Guns of August: The Outbreak of World War I" (1962). Her book remains an invaluable study, having taken on a life of its own. Tuchman (1912 -- 1989), a popular historian, wrote for a wide audience, emphasizing character, description, drama, and narrative rather than scholarly analysis.

The book encompasses the events preceding the outbreak of World War I, with a particular focus on the military history of the war's first month, August 1914. Tuchman vividly details the actions on the Western front. In August 1914, the庞大的德国和法国军队对峙，双方都认为这将是一场迅速而具有毁灭性的进攻战争。德国军队穿越比利时和法国，但在9月初的马恩河战役中受阻并被迫撤退。随后，长达四年的堑壕战拉开帷幕。

Tuchman sets the stage in the book's opening paragraph,展示了她卓越的写作技巧。以下是该段落的开头两句和结尾两句：“So gorgeous was the spectacle on the May morning of 1910 when nine kings rode in the funeral of Edward VII of England that the crowd waiting in hushed and black-clad awe could not keep back gasps of admiration. In scarlet and blue and green and purple, three by three the sovereigns rode through the palace gates, with plumed helmets, god braid, crimson sashes, and jeweled orders flashing in the sun. .... The muffled tongue of Big Ben tolled nine by the clock as the cortege left the palace, but on history's clock it was sunset; and the sun of the old world was setting in a dying blaze of splendor never to be seen again.”

The book is filled with descriptive, dramatic, and beautiful writing. As Tuchman introduces the participants from all sides of the Great War, she has a gift for capturing the essence of an individual's character in concise, well-chosen words. She further develops the strengths and weaknesses of individual characters as their actions unfold throughout the story.

Much has been written about the causes of World War I, but little is truly convincing. Tuchman describes the long, tense history of Europe and the mutual fears that developed among Germany, France, Russia, and Britain. She also details the military plans long in the making by each of the European powers that would be affected and tested in the conflict. The assassination in Serbia and the subsequent brief attempts in July 1914 to resolve the crisis diplomatically receive relatively little attention in Tuchman's history. She sees the root of the war in broader and underlying tensions and motives.

Tuchman's military history begins with Germany's ultimatum to Belgium and the subsequent invasion that brought England into the war. She highlights the unforeseen resistance of the Belgians, the German atrocities, and the decisive shift in world public opinion against Germany. The book includes detailed and dramatic discussions of the campaign in the West. Germany seemed on the verge of victory, and Tuchman attempts to show how its initial campaign ultimately failed. She integrates her discussion of the Western front with shorter but essential discussions of the early battles between Germany and Russia on the Eastern front, the fateful entry of Turkey into the war on the side of Germany, and a brief discussion of the war at sea. Her history is developed in extensive detail, with a strong sense of military realities, in addition to her beautiful writing. With her attention to detail, Tuchman also makes the reader feel the broad tragedy of the first month of the Great War and its impact in sowing the seeds for the Second World War and beyond. She concludes: "Afterward there was no turning back. The nations were caught in a trap, a trap made during the first thirty days out of battles that failed to be decisive, a trap from which there was, and has been, no exit."

Although written for a wide audience, "The Guns of August" is slow-paced, well-documented, and thought-provoking. It is not an easy book to read. The continued success of the work speaks highly of both the book and its dedicated readers. The book helps readers think about and understand a pivotal event in history and its lasting impact. It thus achieves the crucial goals of writing history.

Robin Friedman

This book was extraordinary. Overall, Thucydides' books have acquainted me with history writing in an engaging way.

All I can say is that I wish there was also a book written in such a way about the follies and the loss of lives in our own eight-year war.

It would be fascinating to have a detailed account that explores the various aspects of that conflict, similar to how Thucydides presents the events in his works.

Perhaps such a book could provide valuable insights and lessons for us to learn from, helping us to better understand the consequences of war and the importance of making wise decisions.

It could also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought and suffered during that difficult time.

Hopefully, someone will take on the task of writing such a book and share it with the world.

In the 19th Century, Henry David Thoreau passionately declared: “I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” This profound statement holds true for many, including Barbara W. Tuchman in the 20th Century.

Barbara W. Tuchman, a visionary, passionate, disciplined, and self-confident individual, pursued her American dream and achieved remarkable success. Despite lacking a PhD, she defied critics and demonstrated that her highly focused mind could thrive outside the limitations of mainstream academia. This bold truth was emphasized in the Forward segment penned by Robert K. Massie.

A great deal has been written about the German mentality before the Great War (WWI). William II, the German Kaiser, had a voracious appetite for war and set his sights on Paris. However, in his lifetime, he would never set foot in the infamous French capital. Tuchman offers valuable insights into the pre-war political and social climate of the Allied countries - France, England, and Belgium - which is often overlooked.

I was particularly impressed by her skillful use of imagery. For instance, when she wrote: “Lanrezac understood him to say he intended employing it as mounted infantry in the line, a contemptible form of activity which the hero of Kimberly would as soon have used as a dry-fly fisherman would use live bait.”

The First Global War was a true and brutal conflict. As the flames of war spread in August 1914, the chapters vividly describe the initial strategic moves of each major participant. The German advance through Belgium, treating it as a stationary pawn, was marked by rampage, looting, and the deliberate killing of numerous innocent citizens. Tuchman's masterpiece documents the insane madness of August with no clear resolution.

The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman is a highly respected and admired book about World War One. Even more than half a century after its first publication, it remains a significant work. Tuchman not only provides a detailed account of the historical events but also offers valuable insights into the key players, their motivations, objectives, personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914 set off a chain of events that led to the outbreak of war. Austria-Hungary's determination to use the occasion to absorb Serbia, and the subsequent diplomatic maneuvering among the major powers, made war inevitable.

Tuchman examines the geopolitical stakes that each country was risking and how the Germans' outrageous claims and demands alienated the other nations. The book also covers the early fighting on the eastern front, the escape of the Goeben and the Breslau, and the German atrocities in Belgium.

The French army's strategy in the first weeks of the war, based on the belief in "guts" rather than tactical advantages, led to heavy casualties. The British contribution was important but not decisive, and their commander, Sir John French, performed poorly.

The book ends with the forces aligning for the Battle of the Marne, which halted the German advance and set the stage for four years of trench warfare and mass slaughter. Tuchman's narrative is engaging and gripping, making this an essential read for anyone interested in World War One.

Leading into the summer of 2014, the only book I had ever read about the first world war was Remarque's classic All Quiet on the Western Front, which I had read in high school. I had never delved into a non-fiction history of the war until now.

I started to notice some of this year's preparations for commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of the war. It dawned on me that it was the perfect time to read Barbara Tuchman's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Guns of August, which I had obtained in recent months.

I completed the book just this past weekend. I'm glad I did, but I must be honest and admit that I felt at a disadvantage as a novice in the war's history. The book seems to presuppose that the reader already has more than a cursory knowledge of the war's origins, which I couldn't claim to have.

Nonetheless, I'm knowledgeable enough to understand that Tuchman's focus here is rather narrow. Germany, of course, set the wheels of war in motion with its invasions of Belgium and France, and was also engaged by the Russians. So, Germany is rightfully the center of the conflict. Still, it's a bit disappointing that Tuchman all but ignores the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the subsequent role of Serbia and Austria-Hungary in the war's beginnings. This is an important aspect, and in my view, an unforgivable omission.

My hero in the book is King Albert I of Belgium. He never hesitated for a second in his opposition to Germany's invasion, knowing full well that it would exact a heavy toll in lives lost for his country. His immediate response to Germany's demand for Belgian acquiescence - "No!" - resounds in the text like a clarion call for his nation. His bravery was one of the only significant moments of moral strength among Germany's opponents that month. It was the first great indication that things would not unfold precisely according to Germany's war plan.

The book reaches its climax in a dramatic fashion. The Germans overshot their turn towards Paris, leaving their flank vulnerable to attack by the allied French-British forces. This enabled the allied forces to halt Germany's advance on Paris and deny an early German victory. Tuchman handles this section admirably.

Tuchman's writing style is readable, albeit a little stiff, but the book is never dull. She never overanalyzes. She keeps the drama tightly wound at all times, hardly pausing for a breath. It is a classic, but for the general reader like me, I think I would recommend reading a book-length summary of the war - perhaps that of John Keegan - before taking on this book.

The writing in this book was truly remarkable.

At times, it was beautifully crafted, with words that seemed to dance on the page and paint vivid pictures in my mind.

Other times, it was so witty that it made me burst out laughing, adding a touch of humor to the serious subject matter.

However, there were also moments when it felt a little long-winded, perhaps going into more detail than was strictly necessary.

Nonetheless, it was always extremely informative, providing a wealth of knowledge about the events leading up to the start of World War I and the intricate details of the first engagements.

If you have a thirst for knowledge and want to understand all the ins and outs of this crucial period in history, then this is definitely the book for you.

I found that I was able to fully immerse myself in the book and enjoy it to the fullest when I carved out chunks of time to read it without any interruptions from my energetic toddlers.

It allowed me to focus solely on the words and truly absorb the information, making the reading experience all the more rewarding.