Essential Books on the First World War

The list author says:
	"Most people's idea of WW1 is the trenches and going over the top- '1914' tells of a very different type of fighting - hand to hand combat, cavalry charges. You don't know the war until you know 1914."

The list author says:
	"One of the gentlest, most unassuming of the Soldier poets to have survived, Blunden's memoir is at once moving and unsentimental. Despite a poetic turn of phrase, a down to earth, accesible account."

The list author says:
	"In contrast with 'Undertones of War', this book rings with the aggressive wit of Graves and is littered with dubious anecdotes. The tragedies within stand out stark against this wit - a true classic."

The list author says:
	"Van Emden deftly introduces what must be among the last few oral histories of the Great War, and wisely lets the veterans speak for themselves. The result is moving and humbling."

The list author says:
	"The essential single-volume reference work on the subject, packed with facts and valuable biographies of key players."

The list author says:
	"The true story of the 1914 Christmas truce and much more besides. Gives a wider picture of soldiers implementing a system of cooperation with the enemy wherever practical to lessen the hardships."

The list author says:
	"Paved the way for a new breed of military histories made compelling by the veterans' own accounts.  30+ years after original publication this still feels fresh. An absolute must."

The list author says:
	"A vital companion for any reader of WW1 literature; you may find much with which to argue in Fussell's assertions but certainly he will bring to your attention much that might else have been missed."