On 21st February 1916 one of the bloodiest, most hard-fought campaigns of World War I began. The Battle of Verdun is one of the earliest episodes in the pantheon of horrific conflict that both marred and shaped Europe in the 20th century. It is a brutal and incredible story which sometimes encompasses glory, great valour and extraordinary heroism on the part of those ranks who amassed there in their millions. It is also the story of one of the greatest abominations ever propagated in the era of modern warfare. Using primary source materials from combatants on both sides, David Mason's narrative history follows the Battle of Verdun, from its conception in late 1915 through to its denouement one year later. With special reference to the battle's wider political and strategic significance, this macabre episode of the Great War is told in detail.