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The Western Front

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The Western Front

By: Richard Holmes
Narrated by: Richard Holmes
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About this listen

Military historian Richard Holmes turns his attention to the infamous First World War trench line, the Western Front. Of the nine million British and Dominion soldiers who were killed in action in the Great War, most died here. In this thorough examination of the role the Front played in the war, the eminent historian Richard Holmes considers its initial creation, the rapid expansion of the British army (which led to problems with the supply of men and munitions), the challenge of coping with life and death at the Front, and the regular attempts by soldiers to "break the trench". He also examines two major battles in detail, those of the Somme and Verdun.

Richly detailed and highly authoritative, Holmes' work clarifies the complexities of the Western Front and examines its context within the most bitter and bloody of wars.

©2012 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2012 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Europe Military War Solider

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Whilst this is not a long audiobook when compared to others available it is none the less an extremely informative and well-presented piece. Covering the Western Front throughout its formation and to the eventual cessation of hostiles the author has done a very impressive job of keeping the human element visible throughout rather than resort to long lists of units and dates which can occur when this subject is discussed.

I would highly recommend this both to anyone who has already listened to or read a lot about the world war one on the western front as you will be surprised at how much new information you will gain from this audio. For anyone looking to start learning about the hell that occurred in France during WW1 this would make an extremely good place to start.

An Enlightening Overview

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I would have liked to read the unabridged version. I've read a lot about WWI and I still found new and interesting information in this little book. It's a good synthesis to start or finish anyone's WWI reading list with. Easy to follow, not boring, well organised chronologically and into topics, touching, succinct... it has everything you may wish in exchange for 3 hours and a half.

I was sorry to discover it was abridged...

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An excellent book that illustrates the undoubted courage of the combatants and the futility of war

We will remember them

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Holmes was a master of his craft, one of the best military historians of his era, with an unsurpassed understanding of the British Army and it's history. This short count of the Western Front has been a very useful introduction to the topic and excellent teaching aid. A great place to start for those new to the topic and those more experienced will not be disappointed.

An excellent short history of the Western Front

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Richard Holmes had a knack of bringing history to life and this description of events on the Western Front in the Great War is brilliantly written and presented. Recommended to anyone interested in the Great War.

Richard Holmes - brilliant as always

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A fascinating Morning spent listening to this book. Richard Holmes was one of the best Historians and Authors and bought much joy and interest in Military History too many people.
it was great to hear his own narration and enthusiasm once again. I would certainly recommend this book and will definitely be listening to it again.
looking forward to listening to Second World War Battlefields by the same Author which is also in my Library.
His War Walks Series on television is still one of my favourite programmes ever..

A wonderful History Lesson of the Western Front

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