The War to End All Wars

The American Military Experience in World War I

By: Edward M. Coffman

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

The War to End All Wars is considered by many to be the best single account of America’s participation in World War I. Covering famous battles, the birth of the air force, naval engagements, the War Department, and experiences of the troops, this indispensable volume is suitable for history buffs, students, and general listeners.

©1968, 1986 Edward M. Coffman; 2009 by Findaway World, LLC (P)2009 Findaway World, LLC

Critic reviews

“The best single volume on the American war effort.” (Allan Millett, military historian)

“Will surely stand as the first source for anyone interested in the conflict.” (Stephen Ambrose, best-selling author and historian)

“[Coffman] can explain complex matters in a few sharp paragraphs, illuminate technical discussions with personal vignettes, and use statistics to clarify rather than confuse…. Should become standard reading in twentieth-century American history courses.” ( Indiana Magazine of History)

Pretty Dry but Very Informative

I had a hard time with this one. It just felt really dry and slow. Perhaps some of this is due to the fact that the book was written in the 60's and maybe that was the style of non-fiction at that time. This book was half as long as many history books I listen to and I had it on double speed and it still took me much longer to finish than usual.

Some of what bored me isn't Coffman's fault at all. He set out to write an exhaustive history of America's experience in World War I. It just so happens that at least half of that history concerns the details of America's preparation for war. That was the first half of the book and it was tough to get through, although I realize that it was necessary for the author to be that thorough.

Another problem I had with this book is a problem that I often have with war histories. If you aren't familiar with the military it can be hard to understand exactly what's going on. I personally don't know the terminology and the meanings of different positions and formations so I can't get a good picture of what's happening.

There were times when I would perk up and find a section interesting, but there were more times when I found myself sort of tuning out and had to go back and listen again.

Weiner is perfect for this sort of book and he's actually still good on double speed.

Out Standing

One of the best accounts of the American military experience in World War I…from manpower acquisition and training to tactics and strategy. The auther use of unpublished diaries, memoirs and personal interviews to focus on the impact of the conflict on the individual American doughboy as well as on America's military leaders. I liked the faced past narrators reading.