Geoff Bridger’s Great War Handbook answers many of the basic questions newcomers ask when confronted by this enormous and challenging subject – not only what happened and why, but what was the Great War like for ordinary soldiers who were caught up in it. He describes the conditions the soldiers endured, the deadly risks they ran, their daily routines and the small roles they played in the complex military machine they were part of. His comprehensive survey of every aspect of the soldier’s life, from recruitment and training, through the experience of battle and its appalling aftermath, is an essential guide for students, family historians, teachers and anyone who is eager to gain an all-round understanding of the nature of the conflict.

“…covers a lot of ground, giving you a sense of what the routine of daily life was like both at the front and in the support trenches….addresses a lot of unique questions…gives good practical advice on visiting the Western Front, providing some highly recommended sites and listing all the battles of interest... especially valuable at giving solid research tips …

"An illustrated introductory guide to the conflict. A good gift for the uninitiated friend or relative."