this book I did not like but I put it 5 stars! It is huge, packed with references, with well written stories that stimulate the reader as the story of the assassination of the Serbian king, the general loves Austrian chef. Given the enormity of the work, the provision of French public references Serbian, Austrian .... In referring to Al Qaeda in order to understand the Serbian terrorist organizations, he sees right. it is irreplaceable BUT, I'm absoulument not agree with the conclusions. It is still unfortunate that his use of French literature is neglected this point, or used through readings Anglo Saxon secondhand. Renouvin wrote long ago a book on the causes of the war he has amply developed subsequently Duroselle simplified the debate in the first chapter of The Great War of the French, Roth has dissected the role of Poincaré the biography he devoted to it. To say that Germany is not responsible for the war is meaningless. Firstly by what Germany of the time is not democratic and secondly it was done with these debates The article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles. I remain to Renouvin which attributed to the weight of the military in the sphere of German decision butterfly wing beat that made everything go wrong. Finally, some (many) have accepted the idea of a war but nobody wanted a ruinous 4 years (it was to be short). Finally, the author may be at fault: he happens to explain facts with subsequent arguments to those above (end of the second chapter) and it neglects the essential: to Bismarck, alliances were made during or just the early wars, they were not organized to a possible conflict. I can continue to develop my disagreement but it is critical that should in no way discourage someone read this book, which is however not a great readability I complete my review after a third reading. I do not understand that the book does not deal with the French mobilization, it is not there! Finally, the author is well aware for Serbia, Austria ... the poitionnement and the role of different stakeholders. Why Does it assigns such a strong role to Poincaré AORs that the constitution of the third republic gives virtually no power? The author can not ignore it. Finally, bn! very questionable book, not easy to read, full of information with stories that move the whole
