

#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.
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 

as an alternative to Thomas Otte's book for those who found Clark's work too light.


Dominic Sandbrook

219 snips
469. The Road to The Great War: Countdown to Armageddon (Part 1)
Mentioned by 

in relation to his analysis of Sergei Sazanov and his documents to ambassadors.


Tom Holland

175 snips
471. The Road to The Great War: The Austrian Ultimatum (Part 3)
Mentioned by 

as a brilliant and groundbreaking book on the process leading to WWI.


Dominic Sandbrook

165 snips
474. The Road to The Great War: The Lights Go Out (Part 6)
Mentioned by 

as a source discussing British appeasement towards Russia.


Dominic Sandbrook

155 snips
472. The Road to The Great War: Britain's Fateful Choice (Part 4)
Mentioned by 

as a source for understanding the events leading up to World War I.


Tom Holland

146 snips
470. The Road to The Great War: The Kaiser’s Blank Cheque (Part 2)
Mentioned by 

and 

in relation to the acquisition of Serbian armaments from a French company and the role of Major Vojislav Tankosic.


Dominic Sandbrook


Tom Holland

136 snips
466. The Murder of Franz Ferdinand: The Conspiracy (Part 2)
Recommended by 

as a remarkable history book.


Kaiser Kuo

66 snips
The Engineering State and the Lawyerly Society: Dan Wang on his new book "Breakneck"
Mentioned by 

referring to a book about how World War I happened due to inertia and psychological weakness.


Evan Osnos
35 snips
Is Donald Trump Creating the Conditions for Another World War?
Mentioned by 

as the all-time best book about the causes of the First World War.


Philip Hensher

16 snips
Books of the Year | Sam Leith & Philip Hensher
Mentioned by 

as the all-time best book about the causes of the First World War, based on sources in six European languages.


Philip Hensher

16 snips
The Book Club: Books of the Year 2025







