A new book from the bestselling author of “World War II. War Between Realities" and "Pacific Premiere" is more than just a historical investigation, more than a guide to the labyrinth of historical alternatives. This is the solution to the greatest “crossword” of the 20th century, the discovery of secret meanings and hidden logic in what would seem to be the most illogical and paradoxical war. “They prepared for the First World War for decades; it, without any doubt, became the most anticipated and most planned war in history. At the same time, it broke out completely unexpectedly, and it turned out that no one was ready for it. The war was thought of as quick, like a lightning strike, but it dragged on beyond all reasonable limits, putting the warring states on the brink of destruction. The armies of the First World War were unique in their combination of smart and educated officers, talented generals and soldiers brave to the point of completely losing the instinct of self-preservation. But the stunning beauty of strategic decisions and operational plans resulted in a long-term nightmare of trench warfare, millions of casualties without any meaning or purpose, monstrous exhaustion of the warring countries and destruction of the social fabric. “The collapse is such that dozens of crowns are lying on the pavement...”