Every book by major historian and writer Sir Max Hastings becomes an event. The author is known for a scrupulous approach to research, the use of a huge number of sources and excellent style. British in origin, he is invariably politically incorrect in relation to the stupidity of his own and other people's military leaders. To the mistakes, miscalculations and complacency of politicians who lead humanity to hell on earth, as it was in 1914, one of the bloodiest in world history. On the eve of the centenary of World War I, Max Hastings examines the causes of the disaster, calling Germany and Austria-Hungary the main culprits of the conflict.