First World War Atlas

This is a terrific companion for anyone reading about World War One. The pages are filled with greatly detailed maps and footnotes that illuminate actions of armies, front line positions, withdrawls, alliances etc...A valuable tool to reference to when reading a book that may not be mapped or with few or poorly drawn maps.

Martin Gilbert describes his Atlas of World War One as an "introductory guide" but the reader will come away with much more than a mere introduction to the Great War. Gilbert uses 164 maps to illustrate virtually every aspect of the war from the first shots to the middle east to Africa to the final lines of the Versailles treaty. It even has maps of unfought campaigns of 1919.Gilbert clearly has a thorough understanding of his subject and knows what makes for an effective war atlas. Color maps would have been more aesthetically pleasing, but something must remain for the eventual third edition. This book virtually eliminates any need for another rival atlas to be compiled, and any serious scholar of the war should endeavor to purchase this fine volume.

Whether you are a historical dabbler or a veteran, this book of maps and charts in exceptionally useful in deciphering the wordy mash that so many of the histories become. Keep it handy when reading any WW1 book.