World War I: A Visual Encyclopedia

Several illustrated works on World War I have been published recently, but this volume, edited by Forty (Historical Maps of World War I), clearly surpasses the others in quality of illustration, scholarship, and completeness. Its contributors include military historian Stephen Bull; Angus Konstam, curator of the Fisher Maritime museum; aviation author Bill Yenne; and Duncan Clarke, a specialist on U.S. foreign policy. The volume is arranged alphabetically, with signed articles and photos of major battles, military and political leaders, and weapons intermixed. The volume provides a brief chronological index but little other assistance. There is an imbalance of coverage, with the American contribution given the most attention not really a negative, as this volume would be an ideal single source for middle and high school American schools. What really stands out is the photographic coverage. Most of the 700 black-and-white photos have been taken from the Chrysalis Archives, and few have ever appeared in American volumes on World War I. Adrian Gilbert's World War I in Photographs remains the finest chronological photographic coverage of the war. Andrew Wiest's Illustrated History of World War I is merely a coffee-table volume, whereas John Keegan's An Illustrated History of the First World War has more substance but is hampered by being illustrated with the same old photos found in other works. Owing to its scholarly text, coverage, and fresh photography, this volume is recommended as a purchase for all school and public libraries. Richard Nowicki, formerly with Emerson Vocational H.S., Buffalo, NY
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