This book is a must read if you're interested in the conduct of World War I, as the author investigates in great detail the process by which strategic decision occured in France, and how the French government and military coped with disappointment after disappointment in the course of trying to expel the German invader. For me, the best sections examine the great offensive failures of 1915 and how the French prepared for the German offensives of 1918. One also comes away from this book with the impression that the author feels that one should never pass up an opportunity to jab at the British conduct of the war whenever possible. I also wouldn't have minded some more maps. ( )