To the Last Man

A Novel of the First World War

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 31 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Jeff Shaara has enthralled readers with his New York Times bestselling novels set during the Civil War and the American Revolution. Now the acclaimed author turns to World War I, bringing to life the sweeping, emotional story of the war that devastated a generation and established America as a world power.

Spring 1916: the horror of a stalemate on Europe’s western front. France and Great Britain are on one side of the barbed wire, a fierce German army is on the other. Shaara opens the window onto the otherworldly tableau of trench warfare as seen through the eyes of a typical British soldier who experiences the bizarre and the horrible–a “Tommy” whose innocent youth is cast into the hell of a terrifying war. In the skies, meanwhile, technology has provided a devastating new tool, the aeroplane, and with it a different kind of hero emerges–the flying ace. Soaring high above the chaos on the ground, these solitary knights duel in the splendor and terror of the skies, their courage and steel tested with every flight.

As the conflict stretches into its third year, a neutral America is goaded into war, its reluctant president, Woodrow Wilson, finally accepting the repeated challenges to his stance of nonalignment. Yet the Americans are woefully unprepared and ill equipped to enter a war that has become worldwide in scope. The responsibility is placed on the shoulders of General John “Blackjack” Pershing, and by mid-1917 the first wave of the American Expeditionary Force arrives in Europe. Encouraged by the bold spirit and strength of the untested Americans, the world waits to see if the tide of war can finally be turned.

From Blackjack Pershing to the Marine in the trenches, from the Red Baron to the American pilots of the Lafayette Escadrille, To the Last Man is written with the moving vividness and accuracy that characterizes all of Shaara’s work. This spellbinding new novel carries readers–the way only Shaara can–to the heart of one of the greatest conflicts in human history, and puts them face-to-face with the characters who made a lasting impact on the world.

©2004 Jeff Shaara (P)2004 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A sweeping, searching look at World War I. Jeff Shaara’s novel rings with authenticity, from the feelings of frontline soldiers to the challenges of high-level command.”–GENERAL WESLEY CLARK“Jeff Shaara has again demonstrated that rarest of writing gifts, making literature read like history and history read like literature. He has now shone that talent on another era as he brings World War I to pulsating life.” (Joseph E. Persico, author of Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour)

“The best novel about the Great War since Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front, which it greatly surpasses in depth, scope, and intensity. . . . This account of how the war was really fought will be a real eye opener for anyone interested in historical fiction or modern history.” (John Mosier, author of The Myth of the Great War)

Excellent

For someone who has a hard time making it through a non-fiction history books, this was amazing. It reallly helped put context around the other WWI history books.

enjoyed it very much love historical fiction

as usual Jeff does a great job with his novels I am so impressed with his writing I will now start listening to the civil war series

Impressive historical accuracy

One of Shaara’s vey best books. Main characters and events, as well as little-known details of WWI combat, told in an excellent narrative. Pal Michael is an outstanding voice performer.

Shaara delivers again!

Jeff Shaara is a fantastic chronicler of America’s military history. Told from well known points of views from Pershing and Luftbery as well as lesser known figures like Roscoe Templer. Parts of Templer’s story echo the great Audie Murphy “To Hell and Back.” Highly recommend!

Excellent, learned a lot

I would recommend "To the Last Man" to anyone wanting to learn more about World War I. Most of the World War reading I've done has focused on World War II so this book was a revelation. The book was interesting and engaging, and the narrator was a good choice.

A great way to experience history

His books are a great way to experience history. While novels, the history is accurate and with the novelization of the participants you get a great sense of not just the facts of history but the feelings as well.

I usually never write reviews

But I had to for this book. it's one of the best books I've ever read. Top 5 All-time, and I've spent over 3 months of my life listening to audio books on Audible according to the stats. Read it.

Good historical fiction.

Good story. Characters could have been more developed as in some of Shaara’s other books.

Very poor editing with lots of repeats - kind of annoying.

Great book all around

Great book. Great story. Great narration. I had not listened to much ww1 history before. Got me interested.

Enthralling...

brings to life so much amazing and horrific history... Incorporates multiple historic characters in an entertaining and engrossing narrative. Bravo Zulu Mr. Shaara.