From the Back Cover: From the moment of its publication in 1961, A.J.P. Taylor's seminal work caused a storm of praise and controversy, and it has since been recognized as a classic: the first book ever to examine exclusively and in depth the causes of the Second World War and to apportion the responsibility among Allies and Germans alike. With crisp, clear prose and brilliant analysis, Taylor established that the war, "far from being premeditated, was a mistake, the result on both sides of diplomatic blunders." He argued that Hitler was more an opportunist than an ideologue who owed his successes to Great Britain's and France's tacking between resistance and appeasement, and to an American policy akin to "the significant episode of the dog in the night, to which Sherlock Holmes once drew attention. When Watson objected: 'But the dog did nothing in the night," Holmes answered: 'That was the significant episode.' "The Times Literary Supplement called The Origins of the Second World War "simple, devastating, superlatively readable, and deeply disturbing," and it remains so now-a groundbreaking book of enduring importance.

A.J.P. Taylor was arguably the most influential and popular British historian of the 20th century. This biography explores Taylor's activities as historian, Oxford don, broadcast journalist, husband and friend during a brilliant life punctuated by success, failure and frequent controversy.

Of his own titles this was A.J.P. Taylor's favourite. It is not hard to see why. The title alone provides a strong clue. He would always have an affinity with those engaged in such an activity. Derived from the Ford Lectures of 1956, A.J.P. Taylor in six vivid chapters examines Dissent over British Foreign Policy between 1792 and 1939. In his own words 'it is much the most exciting and interesting book I have written'.

A. J. P. Taylor was one of the most acclaimed and uncompromising historians of the twentieth century. In this clear, lively and now-classic account of the First World War, he tells the story of the conflict from the German advance in the West, through the Marne, Gallipoli, the Balkans and the War at Sea to the offensives of 1918 and the state of Europe after the war. Containing photographs and maps, this an essential history of the war that 'cut deep into the consciousness of modern man'.

Full story of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand by Gavrilo Princip on June 28, 1914, an act that exploded Europe into World War I.