The Great War in the Argonne Forest: French and American Battles, 1914-1918

The annals of the First World War record the Argonne Forest as the epicenter of the famous Meuse—Argonne offensive of 1918. The largest American operation launched against the Germans during the conflict. During 1914 and 1915 though, amidst the dense forest, French and Italian soldiers withstood the German assaults. All sides suffered horrendous casualties, as each sought to break through the lines.

The epic four—year campaign is the subject of Richard Merry’s vividly written account. His gr...