World War I Illustrated Atlas by Michael S Neiberg is a wonderfully detailed reference book that will make any history you may be reading that much more impactful.

First, since it seems some readers don't understand what an atlas is, or what it isn't, this is not a narrative history of the war. It is a reference book that focuses on, as the title states, campaigns, battles, and weapons. This is ideal for those reading narrative histories but perhaps with fewer illustrations or maps. It will help you to visualize what happened and where. It is great if you remember the location of a battle but not when, or the other way around. If you're reading or studying a narrow aspect of the war this can offer some context for what was happening elsewhere. But this is an atlas, not a history book. Are we clear?

I mentioned above some of the many uses this volume can serve. I also enjoyed just going through it as a way to remember what I once knew and to learn some additional facts. I did go back and look up where some notable people had served, which helped contextualize their later accounts of the war.

Whether you're a casual history buff or a scholar, this book will be an excellent addition to your library. If you're a writer, whether of nonfiction or historical fiction, this can be a valuable asset for getting details correct.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )