The Great War: A Combat History of the First World War

Peter Hart

Jul 2021 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Roger Davis

About this audiobook

Named one of the Ten Best Books of 2013 by the Economist World War I altered the landscape of the modern world in every conceivable arena. Millions died; empires collapsed; new ideologies and political movements arose; poison gas, warplanes, tanks, submarines, and other technologies appeared. "Total war" emerged as a grim, mature reality. In The Great War, Peter Hart provides a masterful combat history of this global conflict. Focusing on the decisive engagements, Hart explores the immense challenges faced by the commanders on all sides. He surveys the belligerent nations, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and strategic imperatives. Russia, for example, was obsessed with securing an exit from the Black Sea, while France-having lost to Prussia in 1871, before Germany united-constructed a network of defensive alliances, even as it held a grudge over the loss of Alsace-Lorraine. Hart offers deft portraits of the commanders, the prewar plans, and the unexpected obstacles and setbacks that upended the initial operations.

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About the author

Peter Hart worked as the oral historian of the Imperial War Museum from 1981-2020. He is the author of several military history books on the first and second world wars. His latest book is At Close Range: Life and Death in an Artillery Regiment, 1939-45.

Roger Davis has worked for over twenty years in the audio industry as an actor, narrator, director, producer, and editor. With a background in both performance and professional studio recording, he is able to operate successfully on both sides of the mixing desk, and has over 500 audiobook credits to his name.