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1918 (CD): A Very British Victory

Author: Peter Hart
Creator: Clive Mantle
Publisher: Orion
Category: Book

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Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

2 reviews
Sales Rank: 305074

Format: Audiobook, Cd
Media: Audio CD

ISBN: 1409100561
EAN: 9781409100560
ASIN: 1409100561

Publication Date: August 7, 2008 (In 13 Days)
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Not yet published

Also Available In:

•	Hardcover - 1918: A Very British Victory

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Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars

1918 A Very British Victory July 24, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

1918 A Very British Victory
Peter Hart
ISBN: 978 0 297 84652 9 HB 552 Pages
Published Weidenfield and Nicholson

If one listens to the popular myths and legends regarding the Great War, it would be very easy to come to the conclusion that the victory of 1918 was at best using a footballing metaphor a score draw!

Peter Hart however as one of the more progressive Great War historians and writers has in this his latest work very much laid this myth to rest.

This book looks in detail at the men who helped to forge this great victory. As the Oral Historian at the Imperial War Museum he has found many decisive and pertinent recollections from the men who did the dirty work of war. He refers to men from all sections of the British army from the generals, through the ranks right down to `Tommy Atkins.

A great amount of time is spent in this book covering the reasons why the battles of 1918 took place, both in the political and geographical context. The flow and style of the writing is both light and informative

In his inimitable style Peter Hart weaves the true facts of this momentous year into an easily readable format. The book is well referenced and well illustrated with excellent photographs. It certainly makes a change too see new photographs of the war, rather than the same old hackneyed pictures used by so many Great War authors.

I would recommend this book without hesitation. It pays true respect to all those who in a time where by people put duty ahead of themselves into a correct prospective. It is a truly momentous piece of writing.

5 out of 5 stars

1918 - A Forgotten Victory July 20, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

There is a perverse aspect to the British character that, whilst firmly believing everything British to be the best, at the same time positively revels in its failures. The ultimate example of this trait is the even more bizarre ability to turn what was the greatest achievement in British military history, the victories over the German army in 1918, into some kind of defeat. For too many, including very many historians, the history of the Great War seems to stop in March/April 1918 amidst much reverent expressions of admiration for German stormtroop tactics, clearly so superior to anything the staid old British could come up with (sic). The truth, though, is that the old fashioned stick-in-the-mud British did actually develop the all arms battle that so eluded the Germans - until 1940 anyway - and this is made brilliantly clear in Peter Hart's latest book.

Peter Hart once again displays his skill at telling the story from all angles, from the higher levels of command to the private soldier. The perspective gained by this approach helps explain what happened and why but, all importantly, what this meant for those quite literally in the firing line. And this is where, I feel, Peter Hart's work is unmatched by any other historian of the period writing today (and there are some very, very good ones too!).

What comes across time and again is how this book is rooted in a deep respect for those who went through experiences that most of us, fortunately, will never have to. That respect does not wallow in tales of 'mud, blood and endless poetry'; those that get trapped in that particular quagmire do no justice to the men of 1918. These were no passive victims blindly following a bunch of red-faced, stupid generals but first class, professional soldiers who achieved in 1918 what had been learned at such cost by the British army through the Somme, Messines, Third Ypres and Cambrai. But, as anyone reading this book will be left in no doubt about, war is hardly ever glorious, honourable or noble. And lessons learned or no, the cost was never cheap.

Time and again, after elegantly outlining the reasons for tactical and strategic success or failure, Peter Hart brings the reader back to the price paid by the ordinary soldier. You're never allowed to become an arm chair strategist pondering the events of 1918 in the abstract. What took place happened to real people and the author's clear passion to keep their memory fresh shines through each and every page.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It should be read alongside the author's earlier book about the 1918 air war, "Aces Falling", to get an even more complete appreciation of the events of 1918. My own grandfather was a young 1918 recruit who served in the final advance to victory. I can think of no higher tribute to him and his generation than this superb book. Outstanding!