Authouress: Barbara W. Tuchman
Publisher: Macmillan

Review:
The Guns of August is a gripping realistic account of the many mistakes that made World War I. From the bungling and over confident Germans lead by Moltke, to the indifference and aloof Tsar Nickolas of Russian. Not to forget the over zealous and forcibly arrogant French genrislisimo Jofre. Each would over time make amazing mistakes that can be blatantly seen in hindsight.

One of the fascinating and charming aspects of Tuchman's book is the way she has avoided making statements such as he or she must have thought or felt. To second guess what someone has felt during a past experience, especially after they have died, is to remove the value of the spectator and to move into the position of critic and judge. Thankfully Tuchman avoids this error.

As a historical book full of insightful and intriguing information; this is a must read. Highly recommended for the history student.

Michael