The Guns of August by Barbara W. Tuchman
1962  / 511 pgs. History/Military and War

The Guns of August is a historical masterpiece!  While I was reading, I never wondered how much longer I have to go or when it is going to end.  I just wanted to read more without looking up the key players to discover what happens to them.

The Guns of August is about the first and most critical month of World War One.  It starts with a narrative of events before the war—specifically, the planning of operations and treaties that were signed between nations before the conflict.  Also, very fascinatingly, the joint planning between the British and French military for contingency plans in case Germany attacked France through Belgium.  The riveting detail was these plans were started in early 1900’s.  Also, both the French and British planners understood the critical need for a combined commander of all forces on the Allied side if hostilities started.  Yet, in the first critical month, the BEF Commander in Chief refused to allow the BEF to fall under the French leadership of Joffe.

The assignation of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by the Black Hand, the single event that changes the face of Europe and power in the world, is just mentioned briefly in the book.  The month that all the critical decisions that led to the war’s start are a simple sentence.  If you are hoping for details about that month, this is not the narrative to read.  The focus of this narrative is the first month of the war.

After Austria declares war on Serbia, the main focus turns to the French and German military’s execution of Plan 17 and the Schlieffen plan.  How the Joffe’s refusal of deviation of Plan 17 even when the situation called for moving of forces to counter the German offensive. Molke’s changes to the Schlieffen offensive before the conflict. His melancholy during August and the lack of secure communication that would play critical roles in the German offensive that would prevent the Schlieffen plan from being executed and even a complete German victory within just over a month. 

Overall, this is a fantastic read.  It is definitely on my top five list for history books, along with At Dawn We Slept.  I’m already looking forward to reading more by Barbara Tuchman.  For anyone interested in reading about the start of World War I, I would highly recommend The Guns of August.       

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a wonderful book!

Lopaka