Amazon Resale
This edition of this title is not available for purchase in your country. Choose an available edition from the options above
You've subscribed to ! We will pre-order your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships and Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

A.J.P. Taylor
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

War by Timetable: How the First World War Began Kindle Edition

by A J P Taylor (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 301 ratings
'The First World War had begun - imposed on the statesmen of Europe by railway timetables. It was an unexpected climax to the railway age.'

A. J. P. Taylor was one of the most acclaimed historians of the twentieth century.

His most provocative legacy was his insistence on the roles of accident and inadvertence in the outbreak of both world wars.

First published in 1969, his book 'War by Timetable' still resonates and informs debates.

'War By Timetable' is a history of the mobilisation of the armies of the Great Powers in 1914. Taylor not only argues that the circumstances were already set for a general war, he also examines the flaws in the war plans of the Great Powers.

All the plans depended on railways, which had been timed to the minute, months or even years in advance. As the train platforms grew longer (to accommodate prospective armies) the odds upon a great conflict grew shorter.

The timetables and limited resources that were meant to serve as a deterrent to war instead relentlessly drove the powers into a conflict that engulfed the world.

'War By Timetable' is one of the finest history books ever written, a must read for anyone interested in the origins of the First World War.

Taylor's work has been widely praised:

" A.J. P Taylor's 'war by timetable thesis' caused great controversy when it first appeared over 40 years ago. It remains hugely controversial, today, and is essential reading for anyone interested in the debate on the origins on the First World War"' - Professor Gary Sheffield, author 'Forgotten Victories'.

'A miracle of proportion, language and insight' - Robert Skidelsky

'A dazzling exercise in revisionism which summed up Taylor's paradoxical, provocative and inventive approach to history' - The Times

'Taylor was a lifelong dissenter ... he shifted the ground of major debates' - Ben Pimlott, The Financial Times

'No historian of the past century has been more accessible.' - Niall Ferguson, The Sunday Telegraph

'An almost faultless masterpiece' - The Observer

'Highly original and penetrating ... No one who has digested this enthralling work will ever be able to look at the period again in quite the same way'
- The Sunday Telegraph

A.J.P. Taylor (1906-90) was one of the most controversial historians of the twentieth century. He served as a lecturer at the Universities of Manchester, Oxford, and London. Taylor was significant both for the controversy his work on Germany and the Second World War engendered and for his role in the development of history on television.

Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Part of series
    Library of 20th Century
  2. Print length
    128 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    19 Jun. 2013
  6. File size
    1.4 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 7 books in this series.
This option includes 1 book.
6 unreleased or unavailable books are excluded.
  • Kindle Price:
    £2.99
    By clicking on the above button, you agree to Amazon's Kindle Store Terms of UseSold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.

Product description

About the Author

AJP Taylor was a brilliant, erudite storyteller who could render the most complex historical narratives understandable to a wide public. He wrote major scholarly works of British and diplomatic history, which also became bestsellers, and he was much admired for the many impromptu television lectures he gave.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00DIDASXA
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Endeavour Press Ltd.
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 19 Jun. 2013
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Library of 20th Century
  • Customer reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 301 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
A.J.P. Taylor

A.J.P. Taylor

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
301 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book fascinating and well-researched, with clear and concise writing that makes it easy to read. They appreciate its historical accuracy, particularly its detailed account of early 1914 events and European political troubles. The book receives positive feedback for its humor, with one customer describing it as darkly amusing. Customers have mixed opinions about the book's length.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

33 customers mention ‘Readability’33 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fascinating and well-researched, with excellent reasoning throughout.

"...Concise, the book moves along at a heady pace and gives a logical and well ordered narrative of the diplomatic blunders that led to the catastrophe..." Read more

"AJP Taylor has an excellent reputation as a historian...." Read more

"...Absolutely fascinating and a good read as much as any detective novel. In fact, better than most...." Read more

"...of the Great War but, as usual, he writes s both informatively and interestingly. A good read!" Read more

21 customers mention ‘Pacing’21 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, finding it written with clarity and easy to read, while being concise and detailed.

"...Concise, the book moves along at a heady pace and gives a logical and well ordered narrative of the diplomatic blunders that led to the catastrophe..." Read more

"...I have found inthe past that amny historians write extremely well - many could take up fiction writing as a side-line - and this book is no exception..." Read more

"...I received has seen better days and is somewhat creased; but perfectly legible although not in such a condition that I would want to pass it on." Read more

"...account of the start of the Great War but, as usual, he writes s both informatively and interestingly. A good read!" Read more

14 customers mention ‘History accuracy’14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, describing it as a masterful work that provides a concise study of European political troubles, with one customer noting its detailed account of early 1914 events.

"...mixes waspish observations with an original and fiercely independent analysis of the events...." Read more

"...Very informative history, very well-written." Read more

"...He presented history with a common touch, simple language, colloquialisms, common sense, and clever interpretation of original material...." Read more

"...This book concerns itself more with European History, rather than just being British focused, but War by Timetable is all the stronger for it...." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Humor’4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one describing it as darkly amusing.

"...Despite the grave subject matter there is still a wonderful, dry humour to Taylor's prose which popular historians of today might wish to emulate..." Read more

"...When combined with AJP Taylor's brevity and dry humour, this tiny story of a crucial point in our history is a delight to read." Read more

"Thought provoking and darkly amusing, I don't wholeheartedly agree with Taylor but it is thought-provoking and I would recommend strongly." Read more

"Great read, very illuminating, Hilarious at times, Written with a light, easy to read touch." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Shortness’6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's length, with several finding it fairly short, while one customer appreciates the use of short sentences.

"...It's short and sweet, doesn't get bogged down, and comes and highly recommended." Read more

"...It is extremely short - you never know how many pages with kindle - but well-broken down into sections that are self-contained...." Read more

"...written sometime ago, it puts more recent books to shame by its brevity, style and the way it challenges you...." Read more

"150 pages, so quite brief, with many incisive observations typical of A.J.P. Taylor...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • J. J. Bradshaw
    5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Taylor, pithy, beautifully written and original
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 July 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Classic AJP Taylor, the book is written with real verve in a wonderfully engaging style that mixes waspish observations with an original and fiercely independent analysis of the events. Concise, the book moves along at a heady pace and gives a logical and well ordered narrative of the diplomatic blunders that led to the catastrophe of WW1. Taylor had a peculiar talent for being able to explain events in a way which simultaneously avoided simple villains who provide convenient scapegoats whilst castigating those whom he considered responsible for terrible events. Impeccably researched, balanced and a book which a casual reader can enjoy just as much as a serious student of history this has stood the test of time extremely well. Whilst Taylor's often iconoclastic ideas and his relish at engaging in academic feuds may have upset many it is quite marked that many of his works have stood the time far better than those of his detractors and still attract readers. Central to Taylor's account is that fundamental difference between mobilisation in Germany when compared to the other great powers. Taylor demonstrates that whilst for Russia and Austria-Hungary mobilisation did not necessarily mean war, in the case of Germany the inflexible war plan meant that a decision for mobilisation was in actuality a decision for war with both France and Russia. Something which may surprise many is that Taylor presents a good case that Wilhelm II far from being the motive force towards war was actually one of the few key actors in the drama who tried to find a reasonable solution with his proposal for the halt in Belgrade whilst "the good German" Bethmann-Hollweg was instrumental in driving the decisions that led to a general war. Very highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • John Gerard Shadman
    4.0 out of 5 stars Detailed and painless introduction to a major tragedy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 April 2014
    Verified Purchase
    AJP Taylor has an excellent reputation as a historian. I have found inthe past that amny historians write extremely well - many could take up fiction writing as a side-line - and this book is no exception. It is extremely short - you never know how many pages with kindle - but well-broken down into sections that are self-contained. The author has a clear familiarity witht the scenario and main cast members and is able to move effortlessly from Potsdam to London to Sarajevo or Belgrade. He depicts a scenario where everyone lurched or slipped into an appaling conflagration, with a clear impresion that teh whole thing could have been called off right up tothe last moment.
    Very informative history, very well-written.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Vicky J
    5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly fascinating - as you'd expect.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 June 2011
    Verified Purchase
    I was fortunate to meet AJP Taylor a few times and was always almost dazzled by his style and way of thinking. Perhaps his style annoyed some people and they criticized his books accordingly; even if they agreed with some of his approaches and conclusions. He presented history with a common touch, simple language, colloquialisms, common sense, and clever interpretation of original material. His forays into the minds and beliefs of the main players was most entertaining and very credible.

    This text follows pretty well a TV lecture he gave sometime in the 1960s or 70s, but is much more informed and researched. He concludes, with mesmerizing speed and detail, that the Great War was caused by two simple factors. First, that partial mobilisation of armies [as token shows of force] was regarded as impossible because of the railway timetable system across Europe. Second, that the very existence of the Schlieffen Plan was certain to create a premature response by Germany to any mobilisation, anywhere in Europe, and especially in Russia. So, as soon as the Austrian ultimatum to Serbia was rejected [more correctly ignored], a war became inevitable somewhere - and somewhere inevitably became everywhere because of the timetables.

    Absolutely fascinating and a good read as much as any detective novel. In fact, better than most.

    The copy I received has seen better days and is somewhat creased; but perfectly legible although not in such a condition that I would want to pass it on.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • DennisF
    3.0 out of 5 stars a series of blunders
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 April 2014
    Verified Purchase
    If you want a no-nonsense readable account of why war broke out in 1914, this is the book for you.
    It’s quite short by AJP’s standard but it carries his strong philosophy about this devastating conflict. He argues that from the 1860s the great powers had managed to maintain piece by diplomatic détente but that their dependency on this hit rock bottom in August, 1914. So, we have a view that the great powers stumbled into war, some eagerly (Germany) some reluctantly (GB). Also, he makes a strong argument that with the advent of the railways, massive mobilisation was not only achievable but could frighten, or provoke others into doing so. Interestingly, in this book, the Kaiser Wilhelm emerges with a posture, but not a real taste, for war. After reading this book, but in my view, it was a pity The Tsar, The Kaiser and George VI never got together for a cup of tea in 1914. War may have been averted. I accept this is a silly idea but no less silly than the cause of the war itself. I do not regard this book as the definitive account of the start of the Great War but, as usual, he writes s both informatively and interestingly. A good read!
    14 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Sarah Hague
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 September 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This was a fascinating read about the lead-up to the beginning of WWI, or how Europe practically found itself at war by accident, and despite that fact that no one actually wanted to go to war.

    The personalities that come out of this account make you wonder about the men in charge of important decisions right across the continent, and would fill no one with confidence. As history books go, it is alive with dithering, changes of mind, keeping face, bluffing, misunderstanding and wilful untruths, so totally unlike your average dry history book.

    It's short and sweet, doesn't get bogged down, and comes and highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Mr. J W Booth & Mr P Hartup
    3.0 out of 5 stars Of course its the best detailed timetable of WW1
    Reviewed in France on 8 October 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Although I first read this book many years ago, because it was part of my college curriculum, I didn't absorb it quite as well as I have now. Taylor's tv lectures were wonderful, riveting, no one approaches him today. Recommended reading for all. An object lesson in how not to conduct (inter)national affairs. Unless you want war.
    Report
  • JUAN
    4.0 out of 5 stars It's now or never.
    Reviewed in Spain on 12 May 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Original estudio de las causas de la Gran Guerra, basado en los planes de movilización de las principales potencias, así como del cambio de actitud del Imperio Alemán entre 1909 -1914, combinado con los sistemas de alianzas y los problemas internos de los diferentes estados.
    Report
  • D.V. KOKKINOS
    5.0 out of 5 stars The original Classic,provocative,analytical and profound.
    Reviewed in the United States on 30 June 2013
    Verified Purchase
    It is with respect that I review this seminal work which is the cornerstone of the History on the Origins of the First World War in the English language.
    Taylor's basic thesis is that the war happened through accidents,miscalculations,twisted and/or delayed information and invalid preconceptions rather than a deterministic force that started the war.This has been a strong point of view of Historians ever since.
    Modern scholarship modified a lot his propositions that were often based on daring extrapolations of data that were available to him at the time.
    This being stated,the work is impressive.Taylor's understanding of the era and the players involved does away with a lot of cliches continuously recycled until then.Even with today's increased knowledge of facts his basic thesis is sound.
    He underlines the position that accidents are also History and we should not contrive to find causal links on independent events retroactively.This he does by demonstrating the imbroglio created by delayed defective and misinterpreted information ,Statesmen communicating at cross purposes,perceptions, inhibitions,pre decided postures and actions ,and Fear.
    Most of all he exposes the tragic inadequacy of the European Statesmen,that each,with his own petty agenda and limited understanding of events leading to the looming Armageddon,thought that he could play with fire and get away with it.
    Taylor demonstrates convincingly how the Europeans paved the road to war by their inflexible timetables of mobilization and the irreversibility of those plans.He also demonstrates convincingly the tremendous gap in communication and understanding between the Military and the Political-Diplomatic authorities of each Nation.
    The more recent works of Hamilton-Herwig and C. Clark provide a more balanced and complete picture of events and are not as forgiving of Britain's role as Taylor is,highlighting the well covered up to now roles of Gray the Foreign Secretary and H. Wilson Director of Military Operations ,among others.Also the much stronger influence on events that President Poincare of France had than Taylor allows for.Historians are now much harder on Kaiser and the Germans than Taylor was.
    Independently of the above, Taylor's work,by its crystal clear presentation of his well substantiated reasoning on the causes of WWI ,delivered through an excellent prose with humor,fine irony and the occasional sarcasm of Statesmen's Follies,is still the best concise Primer for anybody interested in those tremendous events who wishes for a deeper understanding of the beginning of the torments of the 20th Century.
    Having re-read the book after 40 years and many other relevant books since,I still find it one of the best.
    DVK
    Report
  • Sceptique500
    5.0 out of 5 stars The triumph of contingency
    Reviewed in Germany on 18 December 2015
    Verified Purchase
    “It is the fashion nowadays to seek profound causes for great events. But perhaps the war which broke out in 1914 had no profound causes. For thirty years past, international diplomacy, the balance of power, the alliances, and the accumulation of armed might produced peace. Suddenly the situation was turned round, and the very forces which had produced the long peace now produced a great war. In much the same way, a motorist who for thirty years has been doing the right thing to avoid accidents makes a mistake one day and has a crash. In July 1914 things went wrong. The only safe explanation in history is that things happen because they happen.” So the author.

    Indeed, the author’s stance is out of fashion nowadays. Our “scientific” mindset demands a causal chain linking historical events. Ideally, we construct “theories,” from which we fashion predictions and policy prescriptions.

    We shun indeterminacy and happenstance. As we relentlessly focus on the overt facts, we background silent factors, and actors’ blind spots. We do this at our peril. Schlieffen’s “timetables” were the silent presence that shaped the perceptions of the politicians and limited their decision horizon. We act by blinkers…and are surprised.
    Report
  • Murray
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on 20 February 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Taylor knows History and really knows how to write about it!
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report