9 important books about WWI
Looking for books on World War I? Check out our list of the best non-fiction, fiction, and easy-to-read titles about The Great War.
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World War I was the first global conflict in history and one of the deadliest, with an estimated 40 million casualties. The devastation was so total and far-reaching that it etched its way onto national psyches. Over 100 years later and the impact is still being felt in surprising ways.
Despite its significance, many people know very little about the Great War — but luckily, there are thousands of resources available that detail exactly what happened.
Whether you're searching for a historically accurate account, fictional page-turner or brief overview, we've got you covered. Keep reading as we round up nine of the best books about WWI.
Important non-fiction books about WWI
The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914
The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 by Christopher Clark is widely regarded as one of the best WW1 non-fiction books of all time. The celebrated historian provides a detailed timeline of events and explains how Europe became entangled in conflict.
Clark argues that all countries unwittingly 'sleepwalked' into battle. This challenged conventional thinking at the time, which claimed Germany was the main instigator.
Forgotten Voices Of The Great War
Forgotten Voices of the Great War: A New History of WWI in the Words of the Men and Women Who Were There by Max Arthur shares a collection of moving and often harrowing personal accounts from ordinary people who endured the conflict.
Experts from the Imperial War Museum interviewed hundreds of soldiers and civilians and digested thousands of hours of footage from the archives. These first-hand recollections were then chronologised and eventually dramatised for the stage.
A History of the First World War
Liddell Hart, a prominent military strategist and historian who fought on the Western Front, published A History of the First World War in 1930. Although nearly a century old, it remains one of the most influential texts on the subject to date.
Hart offers a unique perspective on the war, combining documentary evidence with astute tactical analysis. He sheds light on some of the mistakes that were made and why, arguing that an indirect approach would have saved countless lives.
All Quiet on the Western Front
All Quiet on the Western Front is a semi-autobiographical novel by German novelist and WWI veteran Erich Maria Remarque. It's undoubtedly the greatest war novel ever written and has since been made into two Oscar-winning films.
The book follows Paul Bäumer, a German soldier, as he navigates the horrors of combat and struggles to reconcile his civilian and military life.
A Farewell to Arms
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway is a much-loved classic, heavily inspired by his career as an ambulance driver for the Red Cross.
It tells the story of Lieutenant Frederic Henry, an American serving in the Italian army, and Catherine Barkley, an English nurse. Their growing love is overshadowed by the savagery of war, representing the chasm between hope and despair felt by many soldiers on the frontline.
Regeneration
Pat Barker's Regeneration is the first book in the Regeneration trilogy — a collection of Booker Prize winning novels that recount the experiences of British army officers who were treated for shell shock at Craiglockhart War Hospital.
Barker explores complex themes, including identity, masculinity and social structure, through conversations between Dr Rivers, an army psychiatrist, and his traumatised patients. Most characters are based on real-life individuals and informed by personal accounts from the period.
First World War For Dummies
The For Dummies series translates challenging subjects into easy-to-understand texts for non-experts. Guides are accessible for the laymen but include enough information to get a good head start on the topic.
First World War For Dummies by Seán Lang covers essential information, including how the war started, the principal battles that shaped its outcome and what happened afterwards. Best of all, you'll find plenty of film and other book recommendations throughout to expand your knowledge.
The First World War: A Very Short Introduction
The First World War: A Very Short Introduction by Michael Howard covers everything you need to know about WWI, including how it started, the most prevalent battle tactics and what happened in the aftermath.
Interestingly, it also dives into key historical controversies, offering new ideas and perspectives for readers to explore independently.
Frightful First World War (Horrible Histories)
Last but not least, the Frightful First World War book from the Horrible Histories series offers a light-hearted summary of events with a sprinkling of fun facts and revision points.
Written for kids but equally entertaining for adults, the text is humorous without being disrespectful and is supported by historically accurate material.
