The history of World War One is already well known and understood - or is it? Marking the centenary of this tragic episode in world history, author John Dekker give an insightful and uncompromising 'revisionist' account of the leading characters and personalities behind Britain's entry into the First World War. In doing so, Dekker asks disturbing questions of a socio-political culture that first of all nurtured and promoted a privileged elite into positions of unquestioned power and authority, and then deferred to their often-capricious and self-serving decisions - decisions that would end up costing millions their lives. Secrecy, subterfuge and propaganda were not the only tools used to convince trusting citizens of their solemn 'duty' - ordinary citizens who, to this day, continue to pay dearly for the lessons yet to be properly learnt. "This book will be essential reading for anyone who wants to know why so many British men were killed and wounded on the Western Front between 1914 and 1918 - the politics of Edwardian defence were devious, populated by men who put service ahead of country, and self above all." A review by Professor Andrew Lambert, Department of War Studies, Kings College, London, UK.