Though the legend of the Great War is that of almost continuous stalemate, it's not as though the combatants were standing pat for the duration of the war. A more accurate depiction is of furious running in place, as tactical and technological change to alternately strengthen and break the fortified lines that came into being by the end of 1914 took place. The first of two parts, this booklet concentrates on the creation of the trenches, and the first efforts to maximize personal and small-unit firepower in the wake of massed riflemen failing as a solution to entrenched automatic weapons.

Though not exactly a failing, apart from a few illustrations this book has very little to say about trench warfare away from the Western Front and the experiences of those forces involved. ( )

Great book for all interested in WW1 ( )

Excellent ( )

Great - one of two volume set. ( )

Great illustrations - also appears within G. Sheffield's 'Western Front' ( )