Horne, Alistair

The Price of Glory: Verdun 1916

Toronto, CA: Macmillan, 1962. First Edition. Hardcover. “That’s what war does. Strips people and places of their identities and turns them into enemies in a line, positions to be taken, resources to be foraged. Anonymous things that can be carelessly crushed, and stolen, and burned without guilt”—Joe Abercrombie, “The Heroes” (2011). The Battle of Verdun, (February 21–December 18, 1916), was a World War I engagement in which the French repulsed a major German offensive. It was one of the longest, bloodiest, and most-ferocious battles of the war; French casualties amounted to about 400,000, German ones to about 350,000, although estimates for the region during the battle are roughly 1.4 million. The long, arduous battle draped Verdun in a shroud of death. Alistair Horne (1925–2017) was a British journalist, biographer, and historian of Europe, especially of 19th- and 20th-century France. He wrote more than 20 books on travel, history, and biography. Horne’s authoritative work “The Price Of Glory” gives an in-depth look at the buildup, execution, and aftermath of the bloodbath that was the Battle of Verdun. With precision and care, Horne presents the horror of the months-long battle vividly, the brutality and visceral horror laid bare. Hardcover in unclipped dust-jacket. First edition though not explicated as such on copyright page, assumed first printing. Book is in very fine condition with some wear to fine edges, and some wear to binding at front cover (interior); dust-jacket is in very fine condition with some wear and tear to fine edges and moderate smudging to front and back covers. Very Fine / Very Fine. [Item #5830]

Price: $195.00