An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

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

July 21, 2024

Description

On the 24th of July 1914, in London, the Liberal British Cabinet met to hear the Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey, read them the Ultimatum handed to Serbia by the Austro-Hungarian Empire the day...
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Books Referenced

The World Crisis

Author: Winston Churchill

Context:

Quoted at the beginning of the episode describing the cabinet meeting on July 24, 1914, when Sir Edward Grey read the Austrian ultimatum to Serbia. Explicitly identified as 'a book largely about himself.'

The Sleepwalkers

Author: Christopher Clark

Context:

Referenced when discussing British foreign policy and the argument that Britain's alliances with France and Russia were a form of appeasement to protect the empire. Described as written by 'great historian, Christopher Clarke, religious professor at Cambridge.'

Fly Fishing

Author: Viscount Grey of Fallodon

Context:

Referenced as Sir Edward Grey's book on fly fishing, described as 'very, very highly regarded.'

July Crisis

Author: Thomas Otte

Context:

Referenced when discussing Prince Lichnowski's habit of telling Sir Edward Grey what they both wanted to believe. Explicitly identified as 'his book, July Crisis.'