The Great War and Modern Memory, by Paul Fussell
published 1975 - read 2004

While it's hard to call this lit-crit masterpiece a definitive history of the First World War, it comes close, and conveys the front-line experience in striking detail by relying on the words of the war's poets and novelists.  The various topics addressed in each chapter don't always contribute convincingly to the central "this war changed the way people think about everything" thesis, but Fussell's work is convincing and compelling.  If you're willing to grapple with the slower sections, you'll find this book a gem.

This commentary is part of The Stories Addison Reads.  If you came to this page from an outside link and can't see the complete book listing, click here to refresh the frame.