"The Battle of the Somme took place from July 1 through November 18, 1916, making 2016 the 100th anniversary of this major battle of World War I, the 'war to end all wars, ' as Woodrow Wilson called it. The book offers an exciting popular narrative, with emphasis on the key personalities and its strategic and political significance. The battle is set in the context of the history of modern warfare, technologically, culturally, and politically. Although it was fought in Europe, the American perspective is included prominently"--Provided by publisher.

Includes maps of: Western Front in 1916;Battle of Somme on June 1, 1916; Pozieres and Vicinity;Third Army Position Near Gommecourt; Gommecourt; Trenches in the Vicinity of La Boisselle; La Boisselle Sector on July 1, 1916; British Trenches Before Bazentin-le-Petit; High Wood and Surrounding Objectives, September-October 1916; Territory Gained by the British and French by September 18; Albert-Bapaume Road and Vicinity; Beaumont-Hamel and Vicinity, November 13, 1916; Battles Fought in the Somme sector in 1918; Battle of the Ancre Heights.

Chantilly Visions -- Chantilly Revisions -- The Men and Their Plans -- Breaking Ground -- Into the Fire -- An Aptitude for Folly -- South of the Ancre -- South of Bray : France's Fight on the Somme -- The British Follow Up -- Flyover -- Remains of the Day -- Armies of the Night -- All Summer Long -- The Guns of Autumn.