The War That Ended Peace, written by Margaret MacMillan, is a fascinating read of the road that lead to the First World War (1914). This is of course a historical tale which holds the reader to the very end because Margaret MacMillan brings to life the chief characters that were involved in the drama of World War I from the outset. It is not a description of the battles won and lost but rather a very keen examination of the leaders: their temperaments, abilities to govern wisely and their leadership qualities particularly related to the business of warfare. This perspective enhances the readers’ understanding of not only the unfolding of events that led to the Great War but also the war itself. Actually I found it interesting that the lead up to the war lasted a long time – so long that the war became a necessity because the preparations and the time they took to prepare could not be wasted. This more personal approach to the presentation of historical facts help the reader to see history from a very different perspective than the mere accounting of events. The fact that there are many players in this story makes it lengthy but it proved to be very hard to put down. This book has the potential to change your concept of a history book because it really is a book about the people who made history.
A companion book I recommend is the collection of the 2015 Massey Lectures delivered by Margaret MacMillan and aired on the CBC. She chose her subjects, both women and men, because of each one’s unique contribution to history - their convictions, daring, desire for change – these are History’s People, Personalities and the Past. http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/masseys
Valerie Van Cauwenberghe, CSJ