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Having just rounded up my LLB program, I’ve come to see how important it is to study history – In fact, this is something that’s practically drummed into us from day one.
You see, studying the past helps us make sense of the present and influences our actions in the future, because, to an extent, we can foretell what will come of any step we take.
One of the most important events everyone needs to properly understand is World War I, which essentially changed the course of history in ways we still feel today.
I was born decades after the final embers of the war died down, but even at that, it’s clear to see that it was a massive turning point that set the stage for much of the 20th century.
I could talk for hours and hours about the beauty of studying history and all, but suffice it to say that everyone needs to know about WWI.
So, in this post, I’ve rounded up some top picks for both fiction and non-fiction books about World War I.
These reads will give you a range of perspectives and stories from this critical period in history and they are definitely worth checking out.
Best Non-Fiction Books About World War I To Read
1. Blood and Thunder by Alexandra Churchill
From the blurb:
In this book by historian Alexandra Churchill, the story of World War I is told through the lives of young men from Eton, one of Britain’s most renowned public schools.
The book follows these boys from their privileged lives on the Thames to their tragic end on the battlefields of Belgium, often before they reached adulthood.
It highlights the stark transition from their carefree school days to the brutal realities of war in a way that will leave you equally heartbroken and hopeful.
2. The Battle of Jutland by John Sutherland & Diani Canwile
From the blurb:
The Battle of Jutland, which is the largest naval battle of World War I, began when Admiral Scheer, unaware that the British had decrypted his codes, launched a full-scale attack on the British coast in May 1916.
The Royal Navy had been forewarned so they were prepared. And, even though through Jellicoe’s efforts, Scheer’s fleet managed to retreat, they were heavily damaged.
This account offers detailed insights into the battle’s buildup, tactics, and aftermath, using official records and personal accounts.
Ultimately, the battle demonstrated British dominance over the North Sea despite the German fleet’s strength and you’ll be thrilled by the war mechanics and power play.
3. King, Kaiser, Tzar: Three Royal Cousins Who Led The World To War by Catherine Clay
From the blurb:
In the final days of July 1914, King George V, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Tsar Nicholas II—cousins who ruled vast empires—exchanged tense telegrams as the threat of World War I loomed.
Once close friends, their relationship soured as they each blamed one another for the approaching conflict.
Now, this WWI book digs deep into their personal and political dynamics, and new documents reveal how their interactions in opulent settings were marred by intrigue and family disputes.
Carefully written and rendered with utmost respect, this fantastic book examines their roles in the war’s outbreak and the subsequent fall of autocratic monarchies.
4. The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel by Douglas Brunt
From the blurb:
On September 29, 1913, Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of a revolutionary internal combustion engine, disappeared while travelling from Belgium to England.
Diesel, who had risen from poverty to fame and fortune, was targeted by powerful figures such as Kaiser Wilhelm II and John D. Rockefeller, who had conflicting interests in his invention.
The case remains shrouded in mystery, with theories ranging from accident to murder and Douglas Brunt’s book revisits the case.
He blends historical insight with a detective-like investigation to reveal the truth behind Diesel’s disappearance and the journey is just as thrilling as it is insightful.
5. The Guns of August by Barbra W. Tuchman
From the blurb:
In her Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Barbara W. Tuchman details the crucial first month of World War I in the summer of 1914.
Starting with the funeral of Edward VII, Tuchman outlines the events and decisions that led to the outbreak of war and she shows how all sides had long been preparing for conflict.
Her comprehensive and vivid account captures the key figures and pivotal moments and you absolutely won’t regret reading this timeless classic on the origins of the war.
6. The Last Ships from Hamburg by Steven Ujifusa
From the blurb:
The Last Ships from Hamburg tells the story of the Jewish exodus from Eastern Europe to America between 1890 and 1921.
It highlights the roles of three key figures: Jacob Schiff, who funded Jewish emigration; Albert Ballin, who organized transportation; and J.P. Morgan, who monopolized steamship services.
This mass migration, which saved millions from persecution, led to the rise of notable American figures.
More importantly, this book is a detailed historical narrative that connects banking, shipping, politics, and immigration, and offers insights into contemporary refugee crises.
7. Sergeant Stubby by Ann Bausum
From the blurb:
National Geographic’s book by Ann Bausum tells the remarkable story of Sergeant Stubby, a stray dog who becomes a celebrated war hero in World War I.
Beginning in 1917, Stubby befriends Private James Conroy and becomes a mascot for the 102nd Infantry.
In time, his bravery and loyalty earn him official status and numerous accolades.
The book chronicles Stubby’s journey from a camp mascot to a decorated war hero and American icon and it’s simply the most compelling read for fans of military and animal history.
8. The Sleepwalkers by Christoper Clark
From the blurb:
In The Sleepwalkers, Christopher Clark shows how Gavrilo Princip’s assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered World War I.
Clark investigates the complex causes behind Europe’s vulnerability, with a special focus on how the chaotic conflicts in the Balkans contributed to the war’s outbreak.
The amazing WWI book sheds light on the misjudgments and failures that led to the collapse of empires and widespread devastation.
9. Goodbye To All That by Robert Graves
From the blurb:
Robert Graves’s Goodbye to All That is a powerful autobiographical account of his life up to his departure from England in 1929.
The book details his difficult school years, his harrowing experiences as a young officer in World War I, and his interactions with notable literary figures like Siegfried Sassoon and Thomas Hardy.
It also covers his troubled marriage to Nancy Nicholson. Published in 1929, the memoir is the most vivid portrayal of the war’s impact and, consequently, it excels as both a war document and as a personal narrative.
10. The White War: Life and Death on the Italian Front, 1915-1919 by Mark Thompson
From the blurb:
Mark Thompson’s book focuses on the overlooked Front in North East Italy during World War I, where over 1.5 million men died after Italy entered the war in May 1915.
Under General Luigi Cadorna, Italian forces suffered heavy losses in harsh conditions and this resulted in the steady rise of fascism.
This nonfiction WWI book is perfect if you’d like to learn more about the experiences of soldiers, including Mussolini and prominent writers like Ungaretti and Hemingway.
11. The Good Soldier by Gary Mead
From the blurb:
This biography offers a balanced reassessment of Douglas Haig, the British commander on the Western Front during World War I.
It revisits his controversial leadership in battles like the Somme and Passchendaele and new interviews and archival material are used to provide a nuanced perspective.
The Good Soldier, which is a WWI book about a soldier, goes deep into Haig’s early life, military career, and post-war efforts, which results in a fuller picture of the man beyond the myths and criticisms.
Must-Read Fiction Books About World War I To Check Out
1. A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin
From the blurb:
In Mark Helprin’s epic novel, Alessandro Giuliani’s privileged life in pre-war Italy is upended by World War I.
From a carefree youth filled with beauty and love, Alessandro transforms into a war hero and prisoner.
And in 1964, he recounts his tumultuous journey to a young factory worker, while sharing his losses and gains.
2. The End of Innocence by Allegra Jordan
From the blurb:
The End of Innocence follows Helen Windship Brooks and German poet Wils as they fall in love at Harvard just before World War I.
As anti-German sentiment grows and Wils, who is called to fight for Kaiser, faces danger from his own country, Helen must confront her struggles and decisions.
This incredibly moving story about love and hope in a world torn apart by war moves from the serene campus of Harvard to the chaos of Belgium’s battlefields.
3. This Is How I’d Love You by Hazel Woods
From the blurb:
In 1917, as World War I approaches, Hensley Dench’s life is upended when her father loses his job at the New York Times due to his anti-war stance.
Forced to move to New Mexico, the isolated Hensley begins a secret correspondence with Charles Reid, a young American medic her father has been writing to.
As their letters give way to a deep connection, they face the many mounting challenges and uncertainties plaguing them at every turn.
For these two, the written words help them cope with the tumultuous times and encourage them to fight for their love even as they move towards an increasingly bleak future.
4. Last Christmas In Paris by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb
From the blurb:
As Evie Elliott watches her brother Will and his friend Thomas Harding head to the front lines, she expects the war to end quickly so they can all reunite in Paris by Christmas.
Instead, Evie and Thomas face the harsh realities of war and distance, but they end up growing closer through their letters while squaring off against an uncertain future.
By Christmas 1968, Thomas, now in poor health, returns to Paris with a packet of letters from the war with plans to confront his past.
And, there, he discovers one final letter that could change everything in this absolutely fabulous WWI historical fiction book with romance.
5. The Poppy Wife by Caroline Scott
From the blurb:
The Poppy Wife is Caroline Scott’s debut work set in 1921; that is, during the aftermath of World War I.
Edie is convinced her missing husband, Francis, who is presumed dead, is still alive.
Meanwhile, Harry, Francis’s brother, is hired to photograph graves and search for missing soldiers.
When Edie receives a photograph she believes was taken by Francis, she sets out to find him and soon crosses paths with Harry.
This heartwrenching novel focuses on the painful lives of those left behind after the chaos of the war and must pick up the shards of their life and trudge on.
Edie and Harry seek and find closure in their way and, needless to say, it’s an emotional warfare every step of the way.
6. Somewhere In France by Jennifer Robson
From the blurb:
Lady Elizabeth Neville-Ashford defies society and her mother when she joins the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps as an ambulance driver during World War I.
Stationed at a field hospital in France, she reunites with Robert Fraser, a Scottish surgeon and her brother’s best friend and they start falling for each other.
This forbidden love, however, might ruin them both and I daresay you’re going to enjoy reading a novel that shows the impacts of the war on personal relationships.
7. The Last Summer by Judith Kinghorn
From the blurb:
Clarissa is on the brink of adulthood in 1914 and is enjoying a carefree summer at Deyning Park when she meets Tom Cuthbert.
He intrigues her from the onset, but with the war slowly encroaching, their lives and the world around them slowly morph into something unrecognizable.
With their idyllic existence shifted and his ambitions in law gone up in flames, these two try what they can to cling to the only familiar element around them.
8. Dead Man’s Embers by Mary Strachan
From the blurb:
In the aftermath of World War I, Non Davies finds her husband Davey hiding under the kitchen table and he’s clearly reliving a scene from the war.
Soon, she receives a mysterious letter that leads her to London as she tries to find answers to Davey’s condition.
And when she returns, she finds out about the dangerous skeletons in his cupboard that are a big threat to their life and their village.
Non must now use her courage and compassion to help her husband and protect their community.
9. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
From the blurb:
In 1947, American Charlie St. Clair is searching for her missing cousin, Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France.
Disowned by her family, Charlie travels to London to find out what happened to Rose.
Meanwhile, in 1915, Eve Gardiner is recruited as a spy for the Alice Network, a secret group operating in enemy-occupied France.
After the war, Eve, now living in isolation, is drawn back into the past when Charlie arrives looking for answers and together, they try to make sense of the mysteries of their intertwined fates.
This is yet another brilliant fiction book about WWI starring two equally brilliant women who have taken their lives into their own hands and made the most of it.
10. Scarlet Carnation by Laila Ibrahim
From the blurb:
It’s 1915 and May, a young white woman, is about to live her dream of independence but finds her plans falling apart and has to rely on her mother.
Meanwhile, Naomi, a nurse and NAACP leader, has just bought a home but faces backlash from her new neighbours while her sons are away at war.
Despite these obstacles, May and Naomi support each other as they fight for their rights and strive for a better life.
11. The Porcelain Moon by Janie Chang
From the blurb:
Pauline Deng is a young Chinese woman who escaped her uncle’s home in Paris to avoid a forced marriage in Shanghai in the final days of World War I and set when 140,000 Chinese workers were brought to Europe during WWI.
She looks for help from her cousin Theo, who is working with the Chinese Labour Corps in France.
On the other hand, Camille Roussel in Noyelles-sur-Mer is trying to leave an abusive marriage and end a troubled love affair.
When Camille lets Pauline stay with her, they become friends, but Pauline soon discovers a dangerous secret Camille has been keeping.
As their situation grows more dangerous, they must make a tough decision that will change their lives forever.
How far would you go for freedom? What would you do to protect your love and identity? This is frankly one of the best WWI fiction novels everyone needs to read.
12. Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly
From the blurb:
In this novel, set just before World War I, Eliza Ferriday visits St. Petersburg with her friend Sofya.
And when war breaks out, Eliza returns to America, while Sofya and her family flee to their country estate.
Eliza then helps Russian families escape the revolution but starts to worry when she stops hearing from Sofya.
This fictional book based on WWI is about friendship and the many tenuous relationships left vulnerable as a result of a devastating war.
13. The Toffee Factory Girls by Glenda Young
From the blurb:
This heartwarming book is set in 1915 and revolves around the budding friendship between three women who start working at a toffee factory in Chester-le-Street, Durham.
Anne is efficient but clearly has a difficult secret. Elsie, on the other hand, is lively but gets into trouble with a bad romance. And, Hetty’s life changes when she’s given a difficult task by her boss.
As the war progresses, these three women form a close friendship and learn to support each other through tough times.
14. Eye of the Storm by Hilary Jones
From the blurb:
After World War I ends in 1918, Will and Grace return to the UK and begin working in modern medicine.
What they do not expect, however, is that the 1920s will bring with it many social changes and they find themselves in a world full of new challenges.
While dealing with their duties as doctors and parents, we get to see significant events like workers’ rights movements and the push for women’s suffrage through their eyes.
15. The Six Loves of Billy Binns by Richard Lumsden
From the blurb:
The Six Loves of Billy Binns tells the story of the 117-year-old fictional character Billy Binns, the oldest man in Europe, who knows his time is running out.
Now, he wants to remember what love feels like one last time and, in this book, he looks back on his life and the major events of the 20th century.
He tells us about the loves and heartbreaks he’s experienced, and it was such a delight looking at the period of the First World War and how the many events shaped his life.
16. If You Go Away by Adele Parks
From the blurb:
In Adele Parks’ novel set in 1914, Vivian is a young woman who has to marry quickly to avoid a scandal.
But when war begins on her wedding day, her new husband leaves to fight, and Vivian has to run his estate.
Meanwhile, Howard, a playwright, goes to war to see what it’s like but refuses to fight when it’s required and he becomes well-known for his stance.
He narrowly escapes a death sentence by working on Vivian’s farm, where he learns what really matters and he and Vivian take a liking to each other.
Like the other books on this list, If You Go Away is set in the year it begins and it’s a perfect lens to view a changing society from – I strongly feel you’ll like it as much as I did.
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What do you think about this post? Will you give any of the fiction WWI books a chance? Which of these non-fiction WWI will you add to your reading list? Tell us in the comment section.
And, don’t forget that the related posts have even more wonderful book recommendations you absolutely should not miss out on.
