The First Balkan War was the most decisive of our century in the Balkans. It was during that war that the political map of the Peninsula was essentially drawn and later took its present form following the wars of 1913 and 1914-18. For Greece the First Balkan War was of paramount importance, for it was during that war that she almost doubled her territory and population and passed from a "minor and "insignificant" Balkan state into a major political and military power in the region. The book offers a vivid account of Greece's participation in the First Balkan War both on land and at sea, as seen by foreign war correspondents. It contains numerous photographs, many of which have not been published in Greece before. It is also characterized by objectivity, and, as such, is of great value, both as a publication and for its contribution to history.

Introduction to the Articles of "L'illustration" on the First Balkan War -- The allied offensive -- The Cretan deputies in the Hellenic parliament -- The French military doctrine in the Balkan War -- Agia Sophia (St. Sophia), the magnificent byzantine cathedral, ultimate goal of the orthodox kings' crusade -- The Greek victory -- From Larissa to Thessaloniki -- The Hellenic fleet sovereign of the Aegean Sea -- The London negotiations for peace in the Balkans -- The Greek campaign in Epirus -- The Greeks before Ioannina -- The difficult talks in London. The final negotiations -- The Greeks before Ioannina -- The Naval operations during the Balkan War -- The Greek success in Epirus: the seizure of Ioannina -- The air component in the Balkan War -- The Hellenic royal family in Thessaloniki -- The Greek triumph at Ioannina -- How the Greeks took Ioannina -- General Eydoux in Epirus -- In Hellenic Epirus -- Peace between Turkey and the Balkan States.