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Alistair Horne

The Price of Glory: Verdun 1916

"The Price of Glory: Verdun 1916" by Alistair Horne is a meticulously researched and compellingly written account of one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I. The battle of Verdun, which lasted for ten months and resulted in over 700,000 casualties, was a turning point in the war and had a profound impact on the course of history. Horne's narrative is both sweeping and intimate, providing a detailed and nuanced portrait of the battle and the people who fought in it. He draws on a wide range of sources, including official military records, personal letters, and diaries, to bring the battle to life and convey the full horror and complexity of trench warfare. At the heart of the book is the story of the two commanders who led the battle, Erich von Falkenhayn and Philippe Pétain. Horne examines their motivations, strategies, and personalities, and shows how their decisions and actions shaped the course of the battle. He also explores the broader political and military context of the battle, including the role of the French government, the German high command, and the home front. One of the strengths of "The Price of Glory" is its balanced and objective approach. Horne does not take sides or assign blame, but rather seeks to understand the reasons behind the decisions and actions of the people involved. He acknowledges the heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers on both sides, while also highlighting the tragic waste of human life and the futility of the battle. "The Price of Glory" is not only a military history, but also a social and cultural history. Horne explores the impact of the battle on French and German society, and shows how it shaped their collective memory and identity. He also reflects on the broader implications of the battle, including the role of technology in warfare, the nature of modern warfare, and the human cost of war. In conclusion, "The Price of Glory: Verdun 1916" is a masterful work of history that sheds new light on one of the most important and devastating battles of World War I. It is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, European history, or the human experience of war...