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The Sleepwalkers

How Europe Went to War in 1914

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The Sleepwalkers

Written by: Christopher Clark
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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About this listen

The Sleepwalkers is historian Christopher Clark's riveting account of the explosive beginnings of World War I. Drawing on new scholarship, Clark offers a fresh look at World War I, focusing not on the battles and atrocities of the war itself but on the complex events and relationships that led a group of well-meaning leaders into brutal conflict. Clark traces the paths to war in a minute-by-minute, action-packed narrative that cuts between the key decision centers in Vienna, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Paris, London, and Belgrade, and he examines the decades of history that informed the events of 1914 and details the mutual misunderstandings and unintended signals that drove the crisis forward in a few short weeks.

Meticulously researched and masterfully written, The Sleepwalkers is a dramatic and authoritative chronicle of Europe's descent into a war that tore the world apart.

©2012 Christopher Clark (P)2014 Tantor Europe Military Wars & Conflicts War Imperialism Inspiring Middle Ages Russia Winston Churchill Soviet Union Royalty Middle East Socialism Africa Imperial Japan Self-Determination Interwar Period

What the critics say

"For those who enjoy excellent scholarship joined with logical composition and an easy style of writing, save a (wide) spot on your bookshelf for Clark's work." (Kirkus)
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Clark states from the outset that his mission is not to rely upon over arching theories about the causes of the First World War but to create a picture based on a thorough examination of what the protagonists were thinking at the time. He succeeds wonderfully. Sadly none really understood how violent and murderous the decision to go to war would be. A great lesson for our times as the great powers bump into each other over Taiwan. A must read.

Down and dirty

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The narrato made some major gaffes, including referring to Austria as Australia at one point. The book itself is remarkably thorough and absolutely fascinating.

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Well written and researched this book covers an area of history not often reviewed doing so in a interesting manner. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to understand more of the start of the great war.

My only minor criticism is due to the Audio book there tends to be a lot of this happened here, then here than here - which works well in book but not so much in audio format.

A excellent overview

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An interesting book, well told, of a peculiar historical event - the start of WWI. Given what happens next, it is mystifying how calm all seemed in Europe before the death of ArchDuke Ferdinand in Sarajevo. I feel like I have a better understanding of the how, the why still eludes me, despite the efforts of this book.

A History of Contingency

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Into the Abyss of WW1!
This book is at times challenging, which is what makes it so good. Clark has done his research and has an opinion on the cause(s) of WW1, but his opinion is not foisted on the reader...it is merely hinted at as he unfolds the events that preceded the War in and beyond 1914 Europe. Derek Perkins narration is flawless, making some of Clark's phrasing and conclusions come clearly to life. A most worthy addition to the canon of books written to commemorate the centenary of the mind-boggling start of the First World War. #Audible1

Great Analysis of Europes' Inexorable Slide...

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Very well written, in-depth and captivating account of the events leading up to WWI. Every few minutes I learnt something new. Highly recommended for the historically inclined!

Excellent!

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