To conquer hell - Edward G Lengel

Each First World War battle deserves a historian; not every battle finds one A moving, dramatic, and intensely human account. One of the most powerful war books that I have read' MARTIN GILBERTA superior achievementwill be greatly enjoyed both by experts and by the general reader' JOHN KEEGANDestined to be a classic. I cannot recommend it highly enough' ALEX KERSHAWThe epic fight for the Meuse-Argonne region of France was the last great battle of World War One, beginning in September 1918, and ending only with the Armistice. It was the bloodiest battle the Americans, who fought it, had ever seen, and with 120,000 casualties and 26,000 dead remains even now the single most costly engagement in its military history.Among the million soldiers who fought under General Pershing were many who would later make history: the future generals Patton and Macarthur, Harry Truman, George Marshall - even the writer Damon Runyon.Now Edward Lengel has written the first in-depth study of this savage, elemental and historic battle. In Stalingrad style it blends strong narrative with many eye-witness accounts, and manages to be both authoritative and compelling.Edward Lengel is an associate professor of history at The University of Virginia. His author books of military history include George Washington: A Military Life.