"The combattants thought the Great War was the war to end all wars. It was unlike any other before or since in three neglected, but highly significant, ways. First, it was unprecendented in its violence and carnage. Why was this, and what were the effects of tolerating it? Why did men keep pouring to the front and almost certain death? Second, each side was motivated by a vehement nationalistic, racist animus against the enemy. How did this 'crusade' evolve and what did it mean for Europe and the world? Third, with its millions of deaths the war created a tidal wave of grief. How could mourners ever come to terms with the agonizing pain?" "The Great War shaped the twentieth century, indeed a recent opinion poll showed that a majority of people think it was the formative event of the modern world. This important new book makes a vital contribution to understanding this traumatic and terrible period in our recent history." "With its wealth of compelling documentary evidence drawn from all sides in the conflict, this innovative work has already established itself as a classic in the history of modern warfare."--Jacket.