Customer Reviews:
 Putting the Balkans back in July 18, 2001
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Lafore's work is not only the most readable account of the Great War's origins, it puts the emphasis where in should be: not on the naval rivalry between Germany and England, or on the ruling classes fear of revolution, but on the corrosive consequences of nationalism for domestic (and consequently) international stability. The focus of the work, moreover, is on Eastern, not Western Europe--where it belongs. A wonderful balance of background and foreground, the work builds to an exciting climax. I love it--and everyone I know who has read it says the same!
Putting the Balkans back in July 18, 2001
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Lafore's work is not only the most readable account of the Great War's origins, it puts the emphasis where in should be: not on the naval rivalry between Germany and England, or on the ruling classes fear of revolution, but on the corrosive consequences of nationalism for domestic (and consequently) international stability. The focus of the work, moreover, is on Eastern, not Western Europe--where it belongs. A wonderful balance of background and foreground, the work builds to an exciting climax. I love it--and everyone I know who has read it says the same!
Putting the Balkans back in July 18, 2001
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Lafore's work is not only the most readable account of the Great War's origins, it puts the emphasis where in should be: not on the naval rivalry between Germany and England, or on the ruling classes fear of revolution, but on the corrosive consequences of nationalism for domestic (and consequently) international stability. The focus of the work, moreover, is on Eastern, not Western Europe--where it belongs. A wonderful balance of background and foreground, the work builds to an exciting climax. I love it--and everyone I know who has read it says the same!
A Terrific Analysis April 11, 2001
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
This may well be the premier, or at least at the top of the list, analysis of the causes of WWI in print. LaFore presents his case in this book in a manner that is both well written and remarkabley reliable. The readibility of this book and thorough but understandable style it possessed make it a top selection for anyone wishing to delve deeper into WWI's causes than the mere bullet that killed Ferdinand explanation. Lafore explains quite clearly that this was only a spark, something that really warrants little consideration on its own. What does warrant consideration are the progressions of European hisotry ever since the unification of Germany by Bismarck in the 1860's. Lafore's analysis of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is especially worthy of merit, and as this leads into his explanation of the alliances and the tensions on the Balkans, it is easy to see why this title is so worthy of acclaim.
an excellent, wholly reliable work December 9, 1998
0 out of 4 found this review helpful
It is difficult to believe that the first review, which purports to be from the author, is in fact from him. The tone and phrasing is inconsistent with the work, and the sentiment is bizarre coming, allegedly, from the author.
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