Eden to Armageddon - Softcover

Roger Ford’s work encompasses both narrative military history and that of military, aviation, and naval technology. He is the author of dozens of books in the field of military technology, including The Grim Reaper, a highly acclaimed account of the development of the machine gun, as well as a two-volume history of the Allied special forces in France during World War II, Fire from the Forest and Steel From the Sky. He lives in southern France.

*Starred Review* Many of the seemingly chronic problems that plague the Middle East today can be traced back to WWI and the subsequent failures of the postwar settlements. Ford supplies an outstanding and comprehensive account of the military campaigns in the region while integrating them into the broader political interests and maneuvers of the great powers. While some historians viewed the struggle as a sideshow to the trench warfare on the western front, Ford convincingly asserts that the various fronts in the Middle East were an essential factor in the eventual Allied success. He begins with a description of the prewar milieu, as the Ottoman Empire, the “Sick Man of Europe,” continued to decline, giving rise to nationalist agitation and outside intervention. He proceeds to in-depth descriptions of the various campaigns, including the frustrating British effort in Mesopotamia, the disaster at Gallipoli, and the decisive victories in Palestine and Syria. In a fine postscript, Ford illustrates how and why the rivalries and designs of the victorious powers led to a “peace” agreement that virtually guaranteed continued instability and conflict. Enriching the narrative are interesting portraits of some of the key players, including T. E. Lawrence, Ataturk, General Allenby, and Lord Kitchener. --Jay Freeman