The War that Ended Peace: How Europe abandoned peace for the First World War - Hardcover

MacMillan, Professor Margaret

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 184668272X ISBN 13: 9781846682728

Publisher: Profile Books, 2013

Synopsis

WINNER of the International Affairs Book of the Year at the Political Book Awards 2014

Longlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize 2013

The First World War followed a period of sustained peace in Europe during which people talked with confidence of prosperity, progress and hope. But in 1914, Europe walked into a catastrophic conflict which killed millions of its men, bled its economies dry, shook empires and societies to pieces, and fatally undermined Europe's dominance of the world. It was a war which could have been avoided up to the last moment - so why did it happen?

Beginning in the early nineteenth century, and ending with the assassination of Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand, award-winning historian Margaret MacMillan uncovers the huge political and technological changes, national decisions and - just as important - the small moments of human muddle and weakness that led Europe from peace to disaster. This masterful exploration of how Europe chose its path towards war will change and enrich how we see this defining moment in our history.

About this title

Review:

The War that Ended Peace tells the story of how intelligent, well-meaning leaders guided their nations into catastrophe. These epic events, brilliantly described by one our era's most talented historians, warn of the dangers that arise when we fail to anticipate the consequences of our actions. Immersed in intrigue, enlivened by fascinating stories, and made compelling by the author's own insights, this is one of the finest books I have read on the causes of World War I. (Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State)

Once again, Margaret MacMillan proves herself not just a masterly historian but a brilliant storyteller. She brings to life the personalities whose decisions, rivalries, ambitions, and fantasies led Europe to "lay waste to itself" and triggered decades of global conflict. Hers is a cautionary tale of follies a century in the past that seem all too familiar today. (Strobe Talbott, President, Brookings Institution)

The War That Ended Peace is a masterful explanation of the complex forces that brought the Edwardian world crashing down. Utterly riveting, deeply moving, and impeccably researched, MacMillan's latest opus will become the definitive account of old Europe's final years (Amanda Foreman)

splendidly well written - fluent, engaging, well-paced and, despite the grim subject, often entertaining (Richard Overy New Statesman)

magisterial...rich and suggestive... MacMillan is a wry and humane chronicler of this troubled world... lively and sophisticated... as MacMillan observes in a closing sentence that is well worth taking to heart, 'there are always choices' (Christopher Clark London Review of Books)

She writes prose like an Audi - purring smoothly along the diplomatic highway, accelerating effortlessly as she goes the distance. This is a ground-breaking book, decisively shifting the debate away from the hoary old question of Germany's war guilt. MacMillan's history is magisterial - dense, balanced and humane. The story of Europe's diplomatic meltdown has never been better told. (Jane Ridley Spectator)

The Canadian historian laces The War That Ended Peace with deft character sketches and uses sources incisively...MacMillan escorts the reader skilfully through the military, diplomatic and political crises that framed the road to war from 1870 to 1914. (Tony Barber FT)

Margaret MacMillan, the author of Peacemakers , which won numerous prizes, is that wonderful combination - an academic and scholar who writes well, with a marvellous clarity of thought. Her pen portraits of the chief players are both enjoyable and illuminating. Among the cascade of books arriving for the anniversary, this work truly stands out (Antony Beevor Times)

MacMillan is a perceptive guide to the thought processes of the key players (Simon Griffith Mail on Sunday)

excellent, elegantly written book...as fine an assessment of the reason peace failed as any yet written (Saul David Evening Standard)

Book Description:

The definitive history of the political, cultural, military and personal forces which shaped Europe's path to the Great War

About this edition

• Publisher: Profile Books
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 184668272X
• ISBN 13: 9781846682728
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 704