[books i've been reading]

The Great War: An Illustrated History, Phil Carradice. Here's a fantastic, easy-to-read trainer on the Great War. "The Great War: an illustrated history is a history of World War One told through nearly 150 illustrations relating to the war, each accompanied by an in depth caption. Topics to be covered include the causes of the war, and the early months, particularly recruitment and training. It also covers the early trenches, and the Belgian and French involvement. Specific attention is given to the German view and the stalemate as the war bogged down, including trench life, and the major battles, including Ypres and the Somme. The book also covers the war on other fronts, especially Gallipoli, the Home Front including the role of women and the war at sea particularly the Battle of Jutland and the role of convoys. Finally, it covers the war in the air, messages from the Front, postcards sent by serving soldiers and the art and poetry from the war years leading up to the final months including victory celebrations and the Peace Treaty." (from Amazon.com)

Weapons of World War I, Chris Bishop. I've found this book to be a kick-ass sidekick to histories of the Great War, bringing to visual life the weapons, tactics, and backgrounds of the machinery of war operative in World War One. "From the first tanks to early submarines to the repeating rifle to the biplane, Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War I examines key weapons from the Great War. It includes more than 300 pieces of equipment from handguns to zeppelins. Each weapon system is illustrated with a detailed profile artwork and a photograph showing the weapons system in service. Accompanying the illustrative material is detailed text that lists each weapon’s service history, the numbers built, and its variants, as well as full specifications." (from Amazon.com)