Palestine and World War I

'The Palestine Campaign in World War I has earned a significant place in military history, mainly owing to its being a model of mobile warfare in a mainly static war. This volume, however, is commendable for its two important addenda to the vast literature on that campaign. First, it endeavours to embrace the totality of a campaign that in addition to itsmilitary uniqueness consisted of diplomacy, imperialist competition in preparation for the post-war new order, emerging conflicting national movements and claims, scientific and technological innovations, special problems of medical treatment and evacuation and the ordinary daily life of the civil population of the country: Arabs, Jews and Europeans. Second, it describes the picture on "both sides of the hill", from the vantage points of the victorious entente as well as the Turk and German losers. In both respects this book is an important contribution to the knowledge and study of the Palestine Campaign.' Prof. Yoav Gelber, Haifa University and Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya 'Palestine in World War One consists of articles on largely unfamiliar aspects of the campaign in Palestine during the First World War. Although this campaign was, relatively speaking, a"sideshow", its course and its outcome have transformed the Middle East with consequences which are still felt today. The book, which deals with both the British and Ottoman sides reflects current interest in the experience of the common soldier as well as the effects of war on civilian communities. It contributes an important and fascinating addition to the literature on the First World War in Palestine and on the military history of the Middle East in general.' Prof. Alon Kadish, Head of History Depa rtment, Israe li Defence Forces (IDF), History Depa rtment, The Hebrew University of Jerusa lem