Pandora's Box: A History of the First World War

Jörn Leonhard's "Pandora's Box" is a monumental history of the First World War that offers a dramatic account of its origins, course, and consequences. It provides a comprehensive view of the war, including the perspectives of leaders, intellectuals, artists, and ordinary men and women, and how it shaped the world to come.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1104 pages
Publication date: 29 May 2020
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Winner of the Norman B. Tomlinson, Jr. Prize, "Pandora's Box" is widely regarded as the definitive work on the First World War. Written by German historian Jörn Leonhard, this monumental history delves into the origins, course, and profound consequences of the conflict. Leonhard's expertise in grand strategy is evident as he captures the slow attrition, the race for destructive technologies, and the harrowing experiences of frontline soldiers. However, he goes beyond the military dimension, offering insights into the perspectives of leaders, intellectuals, artists, and ordinary men and women from around the world as they grappled with the urgency of the moment and the rise of unprecedented political and social pressures.

Pandora's Box achieves an unparalleled combination of depth and global reach, providing a comprehensive understanding of the war's far-reaching effects. It explores how the war shaped the world to come, examining the political, social, and cultural transformations that occurred during and after the conflict. The book sheds light on the geopolitical shifts, the emergence of new ideologies, and the lasting impact on international relations.

Leonhard's writing is praised for its clarity, fluency, and judiciousness. He successfully avoids the temptation of being encyclopedic, maintaining a focused and dynamic narrative that engages readers from beginning to end. His analysis is enriched by a sharp eye for concrete situations and an ear for the voices that best convey the meaning of change for the people and societies undergoing it.

"Pandora's Box" has received widespread acclaim from scholars and critics alike. It has been described as an "epic and magnificent work," "the best single-volume history of the war I have ever read," and "the most formidable attempt to make the war to end all wars comprehensible as a whole." The book has been praised for its ability to bring the war to life, making it accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

In conclusion, "Pandora's Box" is a must-read for anyone interested in the First World War. Written by a renowned historian with a deep understanding of grand strategy and a broad perspective on the human experience, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the conflict's origins, course, and consequences. It is a testament to the power of history to shed light on the past and shape our understanding of the world today.

Weight: 1380g
Dimension: 236 x 162 x 57 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674244801