A World Undone

The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918

By: G. J. Meyer

Narrated by: Robin Sachs

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Drawing on exhaustive research, this intimate account details how World War I reduced Europe’s mightiest empires to rubble, killed twenty million people, and cracked the foundations of our modern world

“Thundering, magnificent . . . [A World Undone] is a book of true greatness that prompts moments of sheer joy and pleasure. . . . It will earn generations of admirers.”—The Washington Times

On a summer day in 1914, a nineteen-year-old Serbian nationalist gunned down Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo. While the world slumbered, monumental forces were shaken. In less than a month, a combination of ambition, deceit, fear, jealousy, missed opportunities, and miscalculation sent Austro-Hungarian troops marching into Serbia, German troops streaming toward Paris, and a vast Russian army into war, with England as its ally. As crowds cheered their armies on, no one could guess what lay ahead in the First World War: four long years of slaughter, physical and moral exhaustion, and the near collapse of a civilization that until 1914 had dominated the globe.

©2006 G. J. Meyer (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Meyer’s sketches of the British Cabinet, the Russian Empire, the aging Austro-Hungarian Empire . . . are lifelike and plausible. His account of the tragic folly of Gallipoli is masterful. . . . [A World Undone] has an instructive value that can scarcely be measured”—Los Angeles Times

“An original and very readable account of one of the most significant and often misunderstood events of the last century.”—Steve Gillon, resident historian, The History Channel

“Thundering, magnificent...this is a book of true greatness that prompts moments of sheer joy and pleasure. Researched to last possible dot...It will earn generations of admirers.”—Washington Times

Well written, Excellent narration.

This is a well written history book, reminiscent of Rise and Fall of the Third Reich in scope. I suspect I will come back to it again in my lifetime. But what prompted my review was the excellent narration. It isn't often I look for more books by the narrator, but I am about to do so. I can't think of a reason not recommend this book.

Best I’ve Heard!

I’m a WWI buff and have listened to many accounts of the was. This was certainly among the best! Most highly recommend!

Great book

The book is extremely interesting, well written and narrated. It is not short be ready for a long listen but it is very worth it.

Best book on WWI!

Best comprehensive history of the Great War that I have read. I highly recommend this book.

Wonderful Recount of First World War

Perfectly engaging and thrilling yet educational recount of the Great War. I listened to it in such a sort period of time cause I couldn’t put it down. So good!

long but informative

I had the audio to help me supplement the book. the maps are useful. I loved the background chapters.

The Great War was Avoidable

A well-written historical piece told from a European perspective. Very informative and captivating. A must read.

A perfect book

I thought I knew a lot about the Great War but after finishing this book it truly opened up a whole new perspective breaking down every single detail from every nation that participated. If you haven’t checked this book out please do, put it up there with one of my all time favorite books.

best world war 1 book ever

truly insightful a great narrator and a really good job of covering the first world war un biasfully from all angles

The best Historical account of WWI.

I have never read a more in-depth account of WWI than what was in this book. Love it highly recommend too any history buffs.