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re: OT suggestions for a good book that overviews World War I
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:36 pm to Damn Good Dawg
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:36 pm to Damn Good Dawg
I haven't decided. I was trying to nail down something to listen to on the way up to OBX this weekend, and ended up pulling the trigger on an ancient history book ( 
).
I've recently wanted to do a survey starting with Sumer/Egypt all the way up to today on Western/Near-East history, but figured the timing might make WWI a good random venture.
ETA: I just signed up for Audible so I can start "listening" to books more. I can read through articles and stuff all day and night on the internet but it's really hard for me to find time to sit with a book. So trying to get my educamacation on any way I know how because history deeply captivates me.
). I've recently wanted to do a survey starting with Sumer/Egypt all the way up to today on Western/Near-East history, but figured the timing might make WWI a good random venture.
ETA: I just signed up for Audible so I can start "listening" to books more. I can read through articles and stuff all day and night on the internet but it's really hard for me to find time to sit with a book. So trying to get my educamacation on any way I know how because history deeply captivates me.
This post was edited on 7/29/14 at 3:39 pm
1
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:38 pm to Darth_Vader
quote:
Kafka
Thanks! Great ideas. If I can get my attention span under control I may find these online or something
quote:
Darth_Vader
Interesting. Should I go with the other book you suggested?
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:41 pm to Damn Good Dawg
quote:The documentary links lead to YouTube
If I can get my attention span under control I may find these online or something
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:41 pm to Kafka
Another good option for those wanting to watch and learn about WWI was the BBC series from about 10 year ago titled "WWI In Color"
LINK
For those with DirectTv, the American Heroes Channel (use to be the Military Channel) is currently running a series called Apocalypse World War I. It's primer was last night and I've got the first one DVR'ed. I've got high hopes for it.
LINK
For those with DirectTv, the American Heroes Channel (use to be the Military Channel) is currently running a series called Apocalypse World War I. It's primer was last night and I've got the first one DVR'ed. I've got high hopes for it.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:42 pm to Swoopin
quote:
ETA: I just signed up for Audible so I can start "listening" to books more. I can read through articles and stuff all day and night on the internet but it's really hard for me to find time to sit with a book. So trying to get my educamacation on any way I know how because history deeply captivates me.
Haha, see, with the way I function I'd start day dreaming or go off into another world while listening. But if I am interested in something I can binge read it. I have slogged through that one big arse Civil War book for class and I enjoyed it, Citizen Soldiers, the Wild Blue (my personal favorite) and the Killer Angels among other books so I know I can do it. My only issue is when these books become incredibly bogged down with details. Citizen Soldiers IIRC did this at times and I'd end up taking a week or 2 break because I got bored reading about the exact number of artillery pieces.
That's why Guns of August sounds excellent. Sounds like it'll do a good overview of what led to it all beyond me doing some serious reading like Darth suggested. I think I'd benefit from it and likely enjoy it but knowing my patience I feel I'd end up putting off the WWI reading after the other reading.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:43 pm to Damn Good Dawg
quote:
Interesting. Should I go with the other book you suggested?
It may not be a bad idea. The First World War - A Compete History by Martin Gilbert is better suited for someone wanting to get a surface level knowledge of WWI without delving too deep. But even here you're talking about a book that's 500+ pages.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:43 pm to Kafka
quote:
Kafka
You're the man
quote:
Darth Vader
Really? Hmm, maybe I need to check that out instead and just watch an episode after work each night.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:44 pm to Darth_Vader
quote:
It may not be a bad idea. The First World War - A Compete History by Martin Gilbert is better suited for someone wanting to get a surface level knowledge of WWI without delving too deep. But even here you're talking about a book that's 500+ pages.
As complex as WWI is I understand that if I want a one book answer it's gonna be hefty. 500 is a lot but I think I could do it because I have a pretty light week...for now...
Should I read Guns of August first and then that or would that cover it?
This post was edited on 7/29/14 at 3:45 pm
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:45 pm to Swoopin
quote:
Yeah sorry, I was just responding to OP.
But I did ask you about Guns of August and you went silent
Ah Sorry. I didn't see that reply. AS for the Guns of August, I'd highly recommend it to anyone who does want to delve a little deeper into learning about WWI.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:52 pm to Damn Good Dawg
quote:
Should I read Guns of August first and then that or would that cover it?
To be honest, there may be some things in this book that unless you'r already familiar with a lot of the history and politics of the 19th century, may not make a whole lot of sense. I'd not go so far as to say you've got to have an intimate level of knowledge along these lines but it would help.
I guess the best way to describe it is you can read the Guns of August alone and gain a decent understanding of what started WWI, but you gain a more full understanding you'll need to go back further in time. Does that make sense?
But I'd still recommend the book just for the detail of the early battles of the war that it covers.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:53 pm to Darth_Vader
A great read that includes WWI and before on until today is The Arms of Krupp. The Krupp family was the primary arms maker for Germany from the days of the Kaiser through the Cold War
Posted on 7/29/14 at 3:58 pm to Darth_Vader
quote:
Darth_Vader
I totally get ya. I actually saw this book too, by the same author I believe, that covers 1890-1914
Maybe I should get into that. I guess when I set out to do this I didn't realize how expansive all of the set up truly was for World War I. I realized it was extensive but daggum.
I may also read Guns of August and every time I am curious as to what is being referenced I can research it on Wiki. Just thoughts. Probably won't buy a book till tomorrow and I knew yall would be good to discuss this with. Gotta take advantage of my time this week!
Posted on 7/29/14 at 4:03 pm to Damn Good Dawg
Well learning about WWI is a good way to spend that time. Once you start digging into it, you'll be amazed at how much of an impact it has on our lives even today. I don't know if you've seen me mention it before but I consider WWI to be the most significant event in human history since the fall of Rome.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 4:08 pm to Damn Good Dawg
Martin Gilbert's The First World War.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 4:10 pm to Damn Good Dawg
I'd watch the GOA film first. You can delve deeper after that.
Niall Ferguson recently published a WWII history.
The distinguished historian Max Hastings did a documentary this year claiming that WWI, far from being pointless, was in fact unavoidable for Britain:
The Necessary War
Niall Ferguson recently published a WWII history.
The distinguished historian Max Hastings did a documentary this year claiming that WWI, far from being pointless, was in fact unavoidable for Britain:
The Necessary War
Posted on 7/29/14 at 4:13 pm to Cdawg
quote:
Martin Gilbert's The First World War.
I keep my copy at my desk.
This post was edited on 7/29/14 at 4:16 pm
Posted on 7/29/14 at 4:15 pm to Darth_Vader
I haven't found one that tops it IMO.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 4:16 pm to Cdawg
quote:
I haven't found one that tops it IMO.
It's one of my favorites.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 4:17 pm to Darth_Vader
quote:
Well learning about WWI is a good way to spend that time. Once you start digging into it, you'll be amazed at how much of an impact it has on our lives even today. I don't know if you've seen me mention it before but I consider WWI to be the most significant event in human history since the fall of Rome.
Honestly I couldn't agree more which is why I am so ashamed I know so little about it. I have spent all my free time reading about the Civil War, WWII, and a little about Vietnam and missed out on something truly unreal. The World Wars special did a great job re-stoking my desire to get into it and also a good job of just skimming the surface leaving a lot to be explored.
quote:
kafka
You and Darth have been awesome.
quote:
CDawg
Yea, I think that I may go with Gilbert over Keegan now after reading all of this.
Posted on 7/29/14 at 4:18 pm to Damn Good Dawg
Enjoy your study and if you have any questions or anything I'll be glad to help wherever I can.
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