Coffeemama Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 I am trying to gain a better understanding of the time period leading up to WWI. What non-fiction books and biographies would you recommend for understanding the causes of WWI? I am currently reading Ken Follett's novel "Fall of Giants" for fun, but that is only helping me to understand my need for more information. I always feel more confident teaching a subject when I know the backstory...i am entering uncharted waters now as my own lack of a proper history education is threatening to show its face. Any advice is appreciated! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailorMom Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 The Guns of August by Tuchman - excellent book :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 The Teaching Company series on the First World War is good. Tuchman is good. In addition to Guns of August, The Zimmerman Telegram is about the US entry to the war. Nicholas and Alexandria by Massie covers the period well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nscribe Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 You asked for a book, but I thought you might like this link http://www.booknotes.org/search.aspx?For=serbia . Great discussions with writers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 I appreciate Geoffrey Blainey's historical perspective. He is a good explainer but also very meaty. Also I like the fact that he is Australian, so it's not an Americentric viewpoint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coffeemama Posted February 26, 2013 Author Share Posted February 26, 2013 Thank you! These suggestions are just what I need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysalis Academy Posted February 26, 2013 Share Posted February 26, 2013 If you really want to delve into the period *before* WWI, I'd check out Barbara Tuchman's other book, The Proud Tower: A portrait of the world before the War: 1890-1914. Then follow up with The Guns of August, and you will be an expert! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Dreadnaught by Massie is another good choice. Vol. 1 of Manchester's Last Lion (a Churchill bio) will give some insight into the period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 I'm almost finished with this one. I found it for 25 cents at a thrift shop a few weeks ago. I don't know why I'd never heard of it before, but I feel like I've learned so much from it. There is a sequel of sorts: The Romanovs: The Final Chapter. It covers much of what was learned when various archives were opened after the break up of the Soviet Union and when the bodies of the family were discovered/exhumed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Speilvogel's section leading up to the wars is a good overview. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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