World War I

June 1, 2007
Gr 10 Up -A comprehensive analysis of the causes, events, and aftermath of the war. Much attention is given to the dynamics that gave rise to the conflict and how the war laid the foundation for further 20th-century strife. The first chapter recounts major themes and events from 1903 to August 1914, and others cover shorter periods through the 1920s: "The Eastern Front and Russia: August 1914March 1918," "Lost Generation in the 1920s: 19191927." Each one opens with a narrative describing the period, follows with a detailed chronology of events, and ends with eyewitness testimony culled from a wide variety of contemporary newspapers, diaries, memoirs, and letters. These primary-source selections are particularly effective at engaging readers and embedding a sense of realism into each chapter. While the text is clear and informative, and is supported by black-and-white photographs, the real strength of this book lies in the wealth and range of information that is appended. Official documents, biographies of major personalities, detailed maps and tables, and a glossary all support the text. Most of the subject matter will overlap with other sources about this oft-covered period, but this comprehensive treatment will be a solid addition to reference shelves.Robyn Walker, Elgin Court Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada

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