#2212
Mentioned in 20 episodes

The sleepwalkers

Book • 2013
The Sleepwalkers is a comprehensive and meticulously researched book that explores the intricate events and relationships that led to the outbreak of World War I. Clark's narrative delves into the decades of history preceding 1914, examining the mutual misunderstandings, unintended signals, and complex alliances that drove Europe into war.

The book highlights the fraught situation in the Balkans, the role of key players such as Serbia, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Germany, and France, and the broader geopolitical context that contributed to the war.

Clark's analysis is insightful, drawing together politics, alliances, personalities, geography, fear, and false hopes to provide a detailed and authoritative chronicle of Europe’s descent into war.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 20 episodes

Mentioned by
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Dominic Sandbrook
as an alternative to Thomas Otte's book for those who found Clark's work too light.
219 snips
469. The Road to The Great War: Countdown to Armageddon (Part 1)
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Tom Holland
in relation to his analysis of Sergei Sazanov and his documents to ambassadors.
175 snips
471. The Road to The Great War: The Austrian Ultimatum (Part 3)
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Dominic Sandbrook
as a brilliant and groundbreaking book on the process leading to WWI.
165 snips
474. The Road to The Great War: The Lights Go Out (Part 6)
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Dominic Sandbrook
as a source discussing British appeasement towards Russia.
155 snips
472. The Road to The Great War: Britain's Fateful Choice (Part 4)
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Tom Holland
as a source for understanding the events leading up to World War I.
146 snips
470. The Road to The Great War: The Kaiser’s Blank Cheque (Part 2)
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Dominic Sandbrook
and
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Tom Holland
in relation to the acquisition of Serbian armaments from a French company and the role of Major Vojislav Tankosic.
136 snips
466. The Murder of Franz Ferdinand: The Conspiracy (Part 2)
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Evan Osnos
referring to a book about how World War I happened due to inertia and psychological weakness.
35 snips
Is Donald Trump Creating the Conditions for Another World War?
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Philip Hensher
as the all-time best book about the causes of the First World War.
16 snips
Books of the Year | Sam Leith & Philip Hensher
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Philip Hensher
as the all-time best book about the causes of the First World War, based on sources in six European languages.
16 snips
The Book Club: Books of the Year 2025

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