Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time

The Proud Tower, the Pulitzer PrizeÐwinning The Guns of August, and The Zimmerman Telegram comprise Barbara W. TuchmanÕs classic histories of the First World War era

In this landmark, Pulitzer PrizeÐwinning account, renowned historian Barbara W. Tuchman re-creates the first month of World War I: thirty days in the summer of 1914 that determined the course of the conflict, the century, and ultimately our present world. Beginning with the funeral of Edward VII, Tuchman traces each step that led to the inevitable clash. And inevitable it was, with all sides plotting their war for a generation. Dizzyingly comprehensive and spectacularly portrayed with her famous talent for evoking the characters of the warÕs key players, TuchmanÕs magnum opus is a classic for the ages.

Praise for The Guns of August

ÒA brilliant piece of military history which proves up to the hilt the force of Winston ChurchillÕs statement that the first month of World War I was Ôa drama never surpassed.ÕÓÑNewsweek

ÒMore dramatic than fiction . . . a magnificent narrativeÑbeautifully organized, elegantly phrased, skillfully paced and sustained.ÓÑChicago Tribune

ÒA fine demonstration that with sufficient art rather specialized history can be raised to the level of literature.ÓÑThe New York Times

Ò[The Guns of August] has a vitality that transcends its narrative virtues, which are considerable, and its feel for characterizations, which is excellent.ÓÑThe Wall Street Journal

From the Trade Paperback edition.