With Our Backs To The Wall

It is impossible ... to exaggerate how impressive this book is -- David Crane * The Spectator *
Brilliant and comprehensive ... a major contribution -- A. W. Purdue * The Times Higher Education Supplement *
This is, as one would expect from a historian of Stevenson's great learning and analytical power, a masterly study * The Sunday Telegraph *
An immensely useful study, emphasising the crucial importance of morale, political stability and trust -- Max Egremont * Literary Review *
Stevenson brings to his study a formidable authority and mastery of the sources, and judgments that seem admirably measured and nuanced -- Max Hastings * Sunday Times *
A fascinating military narrative ... masterly -- William Anthony Hay * Wall Street Journal *
A magnificent and exhaustive account of the war's final year ... Stevenson has a deserved reputation as one of the world's leading authorities on the war -- Tony Barber * Financial Times *
A magisterial single volume synthesis of all the themes to deliver a punchy, incisive reboot of WW1 history that is never a dull read * Warships International Fleet Review *
An outstanding contribution -- Frank Ellis * Quarterly Review *
A monumental study deserving of a wide readership by scholars and generalists alike * Library Journal *
Stevenson's grand scope, his international perspective, and his reliable judgements, combined with crystal-clear writing, have produced an exemplary book, a formidable contribution to our understanding of the Great War and the twentieth century * English Historical Review *
The strength of the book lies in his ability to weave together astute analysis of the antagonists' abilities and weaknesses ... Told with verve and analytical vigour, Stevenson's book is a compelling and authoritative study of one of the most significant turning points in 20th-century military history -- Robert Gerwath * The Irish Times *
Stevenson's detailed, lucid description of the development and maturation of that ability reflects encyclopedic mastery of published and archival sources while synergizing military, economic, political, and social-cultural factors. It is a professor's page-turner. It is also a door-opener to any reader seeking to understand the Great War's last stage * Publishers Weekly *