World War One: A Short History by Norman Stone Search Amazon for other books by or about Norman Stone. Rating: Reviewed by: John Walsh

In a world in which it appears that few people have any meaningful understanding of history beyond what is immediately presented to them (and presented almost inevitably through the mediation of ideology), it is not surprising that knowledge of the causes and effects of World War One is so limited. Yet that history is increasingly important in the modern world where it once again seems that new forms of imperial expansion are set to come into conflict with each other. It was imperial rivalry that brought about the war and the global nature of that rivalry meant that its effects spread all around the world with all of their baleful intensity intact. Quite apart from the many millions who died in the war or whose lives were ruined, it is necessary to understand the unintended consequences of what happen when the Great Powers interact with each other. As the proverb has it, when whales fight, the shrimp suffers most.

So, given the scope of the war, is it possible really to include with due attention every relevant opinion and element in a genuinely short history of just 200 pages? If anyone could pull off such a thing, then it might well be Norman Stone, who has assembled an impressive range of sources and then integrated these into a compelling and thoroughly readable narrative. From the origins of the war to a consideration of the impact of technology and infrastructure to a treatment of each of the major theatres of operation, he provides a coherent and credible narrative. His style is a winning one and his learning obvious, though lightly worn. Having said which, of course, it will always be possible to criticise the format of the book as one which does not permit sufficient treatment to a wide range of different subjects: in particular, there is little consideration of the home front and of the changes in relations between classes and genders brought about by the war. Further, the fact that Stone is so clearly enamoured of Turkey and his Turkish friends and colleagues (which he makes clear himself in the introduction) will incline some people to believe that his dealing with the Armenian genocide in just a few lines is evidence of unwarranted partisanship - well, he makes it clear that massacres occurred and there are other massacres that could have been covered in more depth. It is to be presumed that readers will be aware that there is a great deal more to be learned about such a complex period of history and that there is more than one way to tell history. In inspiring readers to want to learn more about the past, Stone has discharged his duty very successfully.

This is a splendid historical account that will be of use to general readers and young people studying at school or university levels and wishing to know more about he subject generally. Readers requiring more specialist knowledge will also benefit from the comprehensive overview as well as the brief but useful treatment of available sources.