Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour: Armistice Day, 1918 World War I and Its Violent Climax

Mr. Persico paints a vivid image of what the men felt, thought, and went through in the last hours before the official Armistice was to occur at 11 a.m. I couldn't put the book down and am re-reading it again for the third time.

Considerable evidence about the last few hours of the "War To Beat All Wars". Provides much information about the beginning of the war as well as biographical data about some of the warriors. Covers civilians, and privates to Generals. I liked the format of this is the last day of the war. Then, who is the combatant and how did he/she get where he/is on the last day. Finally, what happened to them. If you enjoy history or don't know that much about WW-l, you will like this one.

Everyone seems to know the exact time and date of the end of the Great War, but very few realize that the Allies were fighting right up until the last minute. This book examines the stupidity that condemned more than 6500 men to death, and thousands more to permanent injury, after it had been determined that the war was going to end at a certain time. There really was no good excuse for action up to the last minute, as this book very ably shows, but that's what happened, and it's a story that doesn't always get told. I do agree with the conclusion of the author: the only consequence of the Great War was that it led directly to World War II. Read this book, and you will once again be astounded by the utter stupidity of the way-behind-the -front -lines generals and their staffs.

I highly recommend this book. Mr. Persico puts a human face to the staggering and sterile numbers of dead and wounded. The senselessness of the last day of the war (which is the prime focus of this book) only magnifies the futility of the entire war. He also provides enlightening comparisons for many of the war's statistics (casualties on Nov. 11, 1918 were higher than for the Allies on D-Day, and were higher than the average for the war). Included are descriptions of many of the key players (Foch, Pershing, Patton, Haig) that bring to life the war's history and helps to explain some of the senselessness of its pursuit to the final minute. Quotes are aptly provided to illustrate some of the internal debate about the conduct of the war at the highest levels (Lloyd George stating that the losses were so staggering that "If the people knew, the war would be stopped tomorrow.") But more importantly, he introduces the reader to many of the historically faceless soldiers (Private Henry Gunther, Private George Price) who went "over the top" on that last day and lost their lives. He also offers as good as an account and analysis of this war as many other books on World War I. None are without flaws. I believe that more history must be written by authors as Joe Persico who adds a dimension and perspective lacking in other accounts. History is not the special purview of academics, scholars or military historians.

I was quite surprised at the negative review given to this book by a fellow reader. I could not disagree more with the criticisms cited. Essentially, this has turned out to be one of the best books I have read about the Great War. This period in history is endlessly fascinating to me and I will read any new book published on the topic, without fail. I was hooked from page one, with the author, Joseph E. Persico, weaving a fascinating chronicle of this cruel conflict, back and forth, from its surprisingly violent last hours to subsequent events that ultimately lead to the final outcome. Hardly confusing, this style is seamlessly executed and lends a dramatic re-telling of events that have shaped world history to this day. Additionally, Persico offers character studies of a few famous figures not normally associated with the First World War - Adolf Hitler, Douglas MacArthur and George Patton - and their roles in this conflict. I highly recommend this brilliantly written book, whether you are a novice to the story of the Great War or someone with an enduring fascination like myself.