Reviews

The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman

soapythebum's review against another edition

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5.0

An excellent history of the causes of the first World War and the opening weeks of the German offensive. Tuchman has such a wonderful way of presenting information that it comes alive in the page.

dagraber's review

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

heejung's review against another edition

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informative slow-paced

4.25

tomstbr's review against another edition

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5.0

I was meant to finish this for the SA book of the month (in August) but only got halway before getting distracted. Not because it is boring, but because it's quite long and there's always a lot to read. This is a stupendous book, and lays out the causes of the Great War in extreme detail. All the major player are turned into characters of their own stories, and the research is meticulous. If you think the whole thing started because a prince got shot, think again. The beginning is of course the most interesting, because while we know of trench warfare and Gallipoli, the whys and hows of the commencement of war are far more fascinating, particularly because in this case the decisions and outcome had a far-reaching effect on Europe for decades. If you read one book on WW1, make it this one.

skampa's review against another edition

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funny informative relaxing slow-paced

3.75

I wish I would have read it. I don't live in Europe so I didn't have a reference for the places - I should consulted a map. As one would expect, there a lot of names and I got them confused. I think it would have been easier to follow if I had read instead of.listened to it.

poppymonster's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved how the author gave multiple POV to describe many of the men who became renowned after WWI. Excellent book for those wanting to understand why WWI happened.

scallen's review

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adventurous dark funny informative inspiring mysterious medium-paced

4.75

neridan's review against another edition

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challenging informative slow-paced

4.0

iceberg0's review

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3.0

Wonderfully clear, thoughtful narrative of a confusing time. Tuchman is able to boil all of the confusing, crazy events into a meaningful story that illuminates.

wooknight's review

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5.0

A gripping depiction of the first 30 days of the terrible 20s.