Publisher's Synopsis
From the PREFACE.
AT first sight this short history may seem a superfluous addition to the literature of the War. Several exhaustive histories, written by competent authorities, have appeared in numerous parts and volumes, and there are many smaller works dealing with special phases of the war. But there are thousands of people who have not had the time or the opportunity to read these works, many of whom will, perhaps, be glad to have the record of the whole war in a handy form at a moderate price. It may also appeal to repatriated prisoners of war who were only able to follow the course of events through enemy versions, and would like to devote a few hours to reading the complete story. Lastly, there is no doubt that the history and lessons of the Great War will be taught in the schools and colleges of the British Empire, and it is hoped teachers may find this book useful either as a class-book for their pupils or a foundation for their own teaching.
This work does not profess to throw any new light on the war or contain any exclusive information. The accounts of the British operations are chiefly based on the dispatches of our Commanders by sea and land. The other parts are compiled from such sources as were available and generally accepted as accurate at the time of writing. By the fight of the future, statements may have to be revised and opinions reconsidered.
The sketch-maps are drawn roughly to scale and are not overcrowded with names. If they help the reader to follow the main operations described in the text they will serve their purpose.
