Challenge of Battle by Adrian Gilbert

Challenge of Battle by Adrian Gilbert

In this timely new book, Adrian Gilbert clears away the layers of sentiment that have obscured a true historical understanding of the 1914 campaign to provide a full, unvarnished picture of the British Expeditionary Force at war. Previous assessments of the BEF have held to an unshakeable belief in its exceptional performance during the battles of 1914. But closer examination of the historical record reveals a force possessing some key strengths yet undermined by other, significant failings. Within an authoritative and well-paced campaign narrative, Challenge of Battle re-evaluates the army's leadership, organization and tactics. It describes the problems faced by commanders, grappling with the brutal realities of 20th-century warfare, and explains how the British infantry's famed marksmanship has to be set against the inexperience and tactical shortcomings of the BEF as a whole. Making full use of diaries, letters and other contemporary accounts, Adrian Gilbert builds a compelling picture of what it was like to fight in the battles of Mons, Le Cateau, the Aisne and Ypres.

'Gilbert's book finally exposes the truth behind the tactics, personality clashes and power struggles that destroyed the BEFThis brilliantly balanced book is a story of both cowardice and incompetence, courage and survival.' Nick Soldinger, History of War 'Well-written and carefully argued, "Challenge of Battle" clearly describes the initial battles of WWI in graphic detail and begins what promises to be a major reappraisal of the British army in 1914.' J. W. Thacker, dept. of History, Western Kentucky University (www.bgdailynews.com) 'This is absolutely required reading for anyone with even a remote interest in the Great War. Well written, well researched, and with a sense of overriding accuracy. First class history writing.' Paul Norman (Books Monthly) 'Adrian Gilbert's book is well written and supported by his detailed research of letters and documents. There are clear maps and some contemporary photographs to illustrate what is an interesting work, both for military and non-military historians.' Trevor Osgerby (www.history.org.uk)

Adrian Gilbert’s recent books include Voices of the French Foreign Legion (2009) and POW: Allied Prisoners in Europe, 1939-1945 (2006) – named by The Sunday Times as a top ten military book of the year. Four other titles have been ‘main selections’ for the Military and Aviation Book Society, and his book on sniping has sold over 100,000 mass-market paperback copies in the US. He has contributed to TV documentaries and written for a variety of publications including The Sunday Times, Guardian, Good Book Guide and Gramophone.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781472810595
ISBN 10	1472810597
Title	Challenge of Battle
Author	Adrian Gilbert
Series	General Military Ser
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Year published	2015-05-20
Number of pages	356
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.