A revisionist historian presents a new view of one of the greatest battles in history, drawing upon the accounts of military analysts, examination of battle plans, and recollections of serving officers and eyewitnesses.

Battles known and unknown -- How political geography dictated strategy -- The war of the engineers -- The September wars for Verdun -- The French riposte: October 1914-July 1915 -- France's winter of dreams and discontent -- The German gamble -- The mostfamous battle: February-March 1916 -- Panic, politicians, and Petain: April-July -- Revanche and revision: October 1916-August 1917 -- The last battles: August-September 1918 -- A conclusion of sorts: the temptations of myth.