World War I

World War I ended 89 years ago this month, and there are a mere handful of veterans left from that period. So much senseless death needs to be remembered and a new video series we have here at the library is a perfect way to learn more about a war that was so horrible people were sure it could never happen again. The First World War is a 10-part series based on the book by Professor Hew Strachan, which is available through the Schoenbar library. This British film is produced and directed by Jonathan Lewis, who has made dozens of historical documentaries. Although told from the British viewpoint, it also includes footage from Eastern Europe that was previously unavailable to filmmakers during the Communist Era. Strachan and Lewis take the viewer on a detailed tour through the political and military events that occurred during that terrible 4-year period, and the scenes of carnage and destruction are truly moving. The packaging of this critically-acclaimed production also includes helpful maps of the various theaters of combat, and a nice booklet that summarizes each episode. This is a completely riveting series about an historical event that had global repercussions, and a must-see film for anyone remotely interested in history and world events.