Dreadnought – Britain, Germany and the Coming of the Great War by Robert K. Massie

Dreadnought – Britain, Germany and the Coming of the Great War by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Robert K. Massie is a monumental work of naval, military and political history examining the growing rivalry between Great Britain and Imperial Germany in the decades leading up to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

First published in 1991, Dreadnought explores the personalities, political ambitions, diplomatic tensions and technological developments that transformed Europe and ultimately contributed to the catastrophe of the Great War. Central to the narrative is the Anglo-German naval arms race, particularly the emergence of the revolutionary HMS Dreadnought battleship, which fundamentally changed naval warfare and intensified competition between the world’s leading maritime powers.

Dreadnought examines the expansion of the German Imperial Navy, Britain’s determination to maintain its naval supremacy, the complexities of European alliances and the increasingly dangerous international tensions of the Edwardian era. The narrative also provides valuable insight into British imperial history, German unification and the political circumstances surrounding the eventual outbreak of World War I.

Rich in historical detail and supported by photographs, research and extensive documentation, Dreadnought remains an important reference for readers interested in the history of the Royal Navy, German naval expansion, battleships, international diplomacy and the origins of the First World War.

Condition – Good

Covers show general shelf wear, handling marks and some age-related discolouration, with light wear to the corners and spine extremities. The substantial text block displays age-related discolouration and scattered foxing, particularly along the exposed page edges. A previous owner’s inscription appears on the front endpaper. Overall a presentable reading and reference copy.