I read this book because a relative died at Ypres in 1914 and this account touched me deeply. Winston Groom conveys the horror of Ypres without getting bogged down in the details of military tactics. He writes with profound respect for the millions of men on both sides who suffered and persevered through four unimaginable years. It is clear from the book that the writer holds these unfortunate victims of war in very high esteem. This book is a fine tribute to them.