
ProfessorDavidReynoldstakesafreshlookattheextraordinaryeventsandpersonalitiesthatbroughtaboutthearmisticeof1918,venturingbeyondthefamiliarBritishaccountofRemembranceDaytounravelhowtheotherside,theGermans,plungedtototaldefeatinjustafewmonthsattheendofthewar. Inajourneythattakeshimthroughcommandcentresandbattlefields,heuncoversastoryofwoundedegos,mentalillnessandpoliticalbrinkmanshipasstatesmenandgeneralshaggledoverthetermsofpeace,while,atthefront,thesoldiersfoughtonwithsustainedbrutality. FormanyGermans,thearmisticewasabetrayalofalltheyhadfoughtforanditcausedlastingresentmentsthatwouldeventuallyfuelAdolfHitler'srisetopower.Reynoldsarguesthatthebitterendgameofthe'wartoendallwars'tragicallysowedtheseedsofevenmoreappallingconflicttocome.