Document created: 5 Augut 03
Aerospace Power Journal - Summer 2003

The First World War: The Eastern Front, 1914–1918 by Geoffrey Jukes. Osprey Publishing (http://www.ospreypublishing.com), Elms Court, Chapel Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 9LP, 2002, 95 pages, $14.95.

This book, number 13 in Osprey Publishing’s Essential Histories series, deals with an area of World War I perhaps least well known to Westerners but one that deserves attention if only for the fact that from the ashes of the eastern front arose the Soviet Union. The author, who spent several years with the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, is a specialist in the eastern front during both world wars, having written five books and numerous articles on the subject. Later, he taught at the Australian National University for 26 years. This volume is but one of the publisher’s many books on subjects in military history ranging from the Crusades to recent conflicts such as the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s.

This highly readable work serves as a good introduction to a more in-depth study of the eastern front. Following a useful chronology, one finds chapters on the warring sides, the fighting, and portraits of a soldier and civilian that serve as composites designed to educate readers about the conditions that both experienced. Jukes includes a discussion of the Bolshevik revolution and offers, as do the other volumes of this series, a great many illustrations, photographs, and maps. He also provides a short list of books for further reading.

Is The First World War: The Eastern Front, 1914–1918 a significant work of history? No, it is not. However, it is a worthwhile book for readers who wish to gain a working, albeit superficial, knowledge of its subject. People curious about the eastern front may want to try this book before jumping into something deeper.

Command Sgt Maj James H. Clifford, USA
Fort Gillem, Georgia

Disclaimer

The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.