The Battle of the Somme: The Ghosts of the First World War

The Battle of the Somme offers a detailed account of this major World War I campaign, examining everything from the terrain and forces on both sides to their commanders, weapons, deployments, marches, and engagements. Drawing on the most comprehensive historical sources available, the author strives to present a complete picture of the extraordinarily brutal battle, which resulted in a million casualties.

Unlike many dry and difficult military histories, this book has a strong literary quality. In the author’s account, the soldiers charging out of the trenches are no longer faceless killing machines. Their thoughts and mental states during the fighting are brought to life, prompting reflection on the war and deepening the book’s ideas.