The Last Full Measure

Underlining the gravity of war, Stephenson (former editor, Military Book Club; Patriot Battles) provides vivid descriptions of the ways in which soldiers have died in battle throughout history. Arranged chronologically, the book begins with analyses of ancient weapons and armor, and the deaths and destruction they caused, and then proceeds through history to discuss modern warfare. The physical and psychological effects of weapons are constant themes. Interspersed are discussions of battle tactics used with various weapons, as well as cultural influences upon the uses of said tactics. As the account progresses into the 20th century, a plethora of eyewitness accounts illustrate the awful realities of warfare. Although these reminiscences reinforce the narrative, they are so frequent in the last few chapters that they dominate the book, making it a jumbled collection of tidbits from primary sources.