The entry of the United States into World War I in 1917 was the deciding factor in the Allies' victory of the following year. Venzon (editor of General Smedly Darlington Butler, Greenwood, 1992) and a panel of some 200 contributors, mostly American academics, have collaborated on this third volume of Garland's "Military History of the United States" series. Their work chronicles the military and civil involvement of the United States in this "war to end all wars." Biography, economics, civil rights, women's issues, foreign relations, battles, armaments, and conferences are among the topics included. Arrangement is alphabetical, and most articles are brief-between one column and a page. One exception is the very long corporate entry for the U.S. Army, followed by major subcategories, e.g., division. Most articles include brief bibliographies. There are six maps, but no other illustrations. The enormous contribution made by volunteer organizations is well covered in articles on the American National Red Cross, YM/YWCA, Salvation Army, American Library Association, and others. Separate articles on women in the American Expeditionary Force, U.S. Army Nurse Corps, and other subjects remind us of the role played by American women both at the front and at home. The difficulties and accomplishments of black Americans during that racist era are also well documented. Peace and antiwar sentiment is reflected in articles on individuals and organizations, e.g., conscientious objectors, Woman's Peace Party, Scott Nearing, etc. More cross-references and see references would be useful in retrieving some interesting material embedded in longer articles. No literary authors are included, although a number of them-Ernest Hemingway, John Dos Passos, and Charles Nordhoff-served as ambulance drivers or medics, and their experiences are prime examples of the role played by volunteer noncombatants. For illustrations and additional maps, libraries should see Bruce Anthony's An Illustrated Companion to the First World War (Viking, 1990) and Oxford's Atlas of World War I (Oxford Univ. Pr., 1991). In summary, this reference is a solidly researched work, recommended for public and academic libraries.-Harry E. Whitmore, formerly with Univ. of Maine at Augusta
An alphabetical reference for scholars and researchers that provides a comprehensive overview from the period of preparation prior to American entry into The Great War, through the signing of the Armistice. Civil topics include articles on the political, industrial, and moral support of the war and organizational and individual opposition to it. Military coverage includes sketches of important leaders, major campaigns and battles, and individual histories of the most important divisions. Also covered are foreign leaders, both civilian and military, foreign relations, diplomatic efforts to end the fighting, and the final settlement. Major articles contain a brief bibliography. Includes six b&w maps, but no other illustrations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
"A good addition to a growing list of reference sources on WWI, recommended for all academic libraries." — Choice
"...this work is well done..." — American History
