The First World War was exactly that, a War that involved the whole World. This comprehensive account of the historical prelude to that terrible event and the myriad ‘sub plots’ that occurred during it, is essential reading for those who image that WW l was confine to the Western Front in France and Belgium. The War ranged far and wide and involved many countries, some not even connected by warfare on their own soil. The personalities of the leaders of all sides is another fascinating insight into how the battles were fought and certainly in my mind, showed that logic and common sense were left behind by most.
This book is essential reading by anyone who would wish to understand how conflicts can begin, how fruitless they all are and how important it is to learn from history what not to do. This goes for the military as well as their masters, the politicians.

All the World at War by James Charles Roy is a thoroughly researched and interesting narrative of World War I. Although it is quite long, it is engaging and kept my interest throughout. I have read many books on the Great War and still learned fresh perspectives from this one. The focus on the big names and personalities was especially interesting - even if the initial presumption is that there is nothing new in this realm to discuss. It helped to give a deeper understanding of the motives (or lack thereof) of many of the key figures responsible for the outbreak and conduct of the war. The book also highlighted the frustration and futility of this war and the utter waste of life. It reminded me of PBS’s 1996 documentary “The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century”, a global perspective with much the same focus on key people’s experiences (and it even used many of the same quotes).

One of the aspects that surprised and delighted me was the many Canadian connections that Roy included throughout. There was decent coverage of General Arthur Currie, Canadian contributions to many key battles, the Halifax explosion, and Robert Borden’s experience at the Paris Peace Conference. Canada is often overlooked by non-Canadian historians, and I may be able to use excerpts from this book in my Canadian history course.

The only downside of the book was its length. I did feel like it went on and on, despite it being interesting. Moreover, the author included some very off-colour quotes made by key historical figures that are unacceptable in this day and age and didn’t add value to the reader's understanding of the events. One wonders why they were chosen to be included.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in learning about World War I in greater depth. It is a well-written and insightful account of one of the most pivotal events in history and highlights both the devastation and the long-lasting impacts.

This history of World War I reveals unfamiliar details from overlooked contemporaries who witnessed key events. Diverging from many standard accounts, it provides unique insights and atypical perspectives on the major figures and turning points shaping the conflict.

This is a long and thorough examination of the events leading up to the war, as well as its progression. The book is engaging and easy to read, bringing historical figures to life.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

As the description tells us this book, "stands apart from many of the standard studies". I own or have read over 200 books on WWI and this stands very near the top.
This is not a book that concentrates on figures, battles, gains and losses etc but of leaders both military and political before, during and after the war and the author does not shy away from speaking about very many of them bluntly but with knowledge and intelligence.
Beautifully written and highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased and hnoest review.

Our history book club will totally love this. We will definitely be ordering this for my library. Excellent work, very accessible