The War Horses: The Tragic Fate of a Million Horses Sacrificed in the First World War Hardcover – 27 Sept. 2011

I was looking forward to reading this book as i have spent many years researching this very topic myself.I found the rather long introduction giving the history of horses in war somewhat dull and off topic, this book is meant to be about the Great war,not other earlier periods..Whilst many of the Pictures and drawings are new and most interesting, far to many are incorrectly captioned or titled.Whilst you can not expect precise details with such a "coffee table" book you should expect basic facts correct.. getting the wrong nationality of solders ,and im pretty sure i saw a WW2 poster being used (pg 103) and dates wrong (the "opening " of the battle of the Somme in September ??) And i found some basic details missing or un mentioned.Overall it proved a little disappointing, lacking proper research,and just climbing on the band wagon of the Morpurgo book and film. could do better

This book is an easy read but packed with information and original photographs. Simon Butler explores the history of man's relationship with the horse, from charioteers through to modern cavalry. He covers the futility of WW1 without sentimentality, making what could have been a tearjerker into a detailed expose of the conditions in which men and horses struggled, but always lightened by anecdotes and an emphasis on the fondness the soldiers developed for their horses, particularly the draught and pack animals. Altogether a memorable book; he's now written a companion book in the same format called Goodbye Old friend about the demise of the working horse, also well worth reading. Both are books worth keeping or giving as presents.

Just what I was looking for. A well researched book that details the facts about war horses and especially horses in the 1st World War. Beautifully illustrated .

This is a very poignant book for me as my Grandmothers two pure bred hunters wer taken by the recruitment teams and sent to that hell hole. i often wonder what happened to the poor darlings.

my uncle is very pleased with this book due to the fact that it brings back so many memorys of the life my great granfater hadf when he was in the house hold calvary during the war.

Good pictures

Perfect

The book arrived as new. Although the subject was a little sad it was a fascinating read about the role that horses played in war.