Heftier than many DK books, this illustration- and fact-packed encyclopedia is chronologically arranged, with seven sections of material covering from "The Troubled Continent: 1870–1914" to "Aftermath: 1919–1923." Each segment offers an opening illustrated time line that resembles a calendar page. Where multiple years are covered, the boxes represent significant months; whereas in the chapter "Stalemate: 1915," for example, several days per month are addressed. In typical DK fashion, spreads cover a subject each in lively detail. They are liberally sprinkled with paintings, maps, photos of troops, battle action, and modern-day locations where the carnage took place and with photos of period artifacts. Opening and closing sidebars outline what happened before and after the events at hand. More granular time lines and stark statistics throughout add value. VERDICT A visual wonder of important historical events, as promised in the title.—HV