The World War One Source Book, by Philip J. Haythornthwaite

The World War One Source Book, by Philip J. Haythornthwaite
Arms and Armour, 1992
Oversize, 384 pages, plus glossary, and index. Illustrated throughout with b&w photos
Library: 40.4 HAY

Description
This book provides a unique, single-volume reference source on the armies, battles, weapons and leaders of the first of the great wars that shook Europe and the World during the twentieth century. Following the successful style and format of The Napoleonic Source Book and the American Civil WAr Source Book, it presents in encyclopediac detail a wide range of information, fsciliitating rapid access to the essential facts and figures of the First World War.

As author, Philip Haythornthwaite is one of the most respected and capable writers active today. This volume is intended both as a definitive source for the dedicated historian seeking a clarification of fact and figure and as an entertaining narrative for the more casual user.

After a brief analysis of the causes of the Great War in the tumultuous Balkans up to 1914, the historical section charts the progress of the war, year by year and in all theatres and with clear, informative maps of important battles and offenses from Flanders to Mesopotamia. Haythornthwaite then records the nature of the war at sea and in the air before offering a detailed chronology of the war years and a meticulously researched record of the Weapons and Tactics of the war-everything from the basic rifle, trench construction, naval armour and mines to flame-throwers, artillery and trench communications.

Further sections cover every combatant nation; the nature of their government and all active armed forces deployed, as well as a biographical chapter of the leading, notable, and important military personalities; a fascinating and revealing section of source material, documents and records, and an invaluable glossary and miscellaneous chapter which explains terminology, colloquisms and obscurities rarely listed.

Throughout the book there are fascinating, brief anecdotal sections which bring the dramatic struggle vividly to life, together with more than 250 conntemporary photographs and engravings; clear maps illustrate the battles and campaigns.

Table of Contents
Introduction
1. History of the War
Several chapters covering the war on land, the war at sea, casualties, and a chronology
2. Weapons and Tactics
18 chapters, from rifles to aerial warfare
3. The Warring Nations
57 chapters, each on a diffferent country
4. Biographies
51 bios
5. Sources
Sources for each front
6. Miscellania
Place names to prize money
7. Glossary
Index