America and WWI: A Traveler’s Guide
The 2014 centennial of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and the beginning of World War I has been marked by ceremony as well as a small surge in related publications. A unique addition is Van Ells’ guide, which provides cultural and historical context for America’s part in the Great War, and documents the paths of, and memorials to, the Doughboys who went off to fight in Europe. Chapters are arranged chronologically, from the early murmurs of ethnic unrest through the battles both big and small, to the post-war Red Scare and other civil disturbances. Appendices list related cemeteries, museums, and historical sites; a brief supplemental reading list and place-name index round out the volume. While a lack of editing and attribution are distractions, readers who can look past those issues will find good information on topics such as embarkation points, military training camps, and anecdotes of individual heroism. This volume supplements the many existing battlefield guides with its commentary on the little-known memorials in small towns and villages in both the U.S. and Europe, which honor the sacrifices of America’s Doughboys.
