“Fundamentally, Ellison seeks an answer to one basic question, what is the most efficient method of conducting operations of war under a democratic form of government? This book is not a battle history of the conduct of a specific military campaign but rather a critique of the decision process to undertake it. In modern terms, the book is an examination of grand strategy and civil-military relations during wartime. The Dardanelles campaign is Ellison’s definitive and only case study. Like a well-schooled local beat newspaper reporter, he does not bury the lead. The book’s first epigram tells readers clearly where the author wants to take them. Ellison cites Walter H. Page, United States ambassador to Great Britain, “The horrible tragedy of Gallipoli [was] where the best soldiers in the world were sacrificed to politicians’ policies.” -- From Strategic Studies Quarterly, ©2007 Air University Press.

List of maps : Dardanelles fortress and neighbourhood ; Asia Minor and railway system.

Dedication -- Prefatory note -- Introduction -- Expert plans -- Diary of chief events -- Turkey -- The valour of ignorance -- The short cut to victory -- The catspaw -- Sanhedrim control -- Past warnings -- The people's safety -- A summary -- Concluding note.