Review: Like trying to put 10 pounds of flour in a 5 pound sack.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 2, 2013
The challenge in writing "brief" histories of such broad targets is that so much glossing over is required that invariably some important events are glossed over and complex issues are subjected to oversimplification. This is not the first of the "Very Brief History" products I've read, nor do I suspect, will it be the last. I am always impressed by the massive amount of information provided in such a small amount of space. Such brevity is certainly out of the realm of my own writing talents so I tell myself I'm merely "admiring" the skill and not envying or coveting it. That way it's a good thing, right? RIGHT??? Why is my nose growing?Anyway, the amount of information crammed into this short expose' on "the War to End All Wars" is certainly enough to whet one's initial thirst for knowledge of the subject while encouraging a desire for additional details. I did deduct 1/2 star because of a couple of grammatical/formatting mistakes. I also feel that this series should provide at least a brief selection of more detailed books for readers interested in learning more about aspects of the War. In this particular volume, perhaps suggested titles regarding Galipoli, The Sinking of the Lusitania and its role in drawing the United States into things, The Assasination of the Kaiser, and of course a title or two about how the Treaty of Versailles provided the means for Hitler to rise to power and set the stage for WWII a scant 20 years later, would suffice. The lack of such a "suggested further reading" list is the reason for the deduction of the second 1/2 star from the total.Overall however, this book, like the others in the series, does a remarkable job of compressing a massive amount of information into a small, short, read without turning it all into a boring litany of tedious facts. I definitely recommend it for any and all readers over the age of 12 seeking an introduction to the subject.