The World’s Work War Manual of the Great 1914 European Conflict

Original First World War reference volume titled The World’s Work War Manual of the Great 1914 European Conflict, issued by The World’s Work, the influential American monthly magazine published by Doubleday, Page & Company. This substantial hardcover manual was produced during the opening phase of the First World War and was intended as a comprehensive guide for American readers seeking authoritative, illustrated explanations of the causes, personalities, diplomacy, and military developments of the conflict as it unfolded.

The full title on the cover reads in English:
“The World’s Work War Manual of the Great 1914 European Conflict.”

This volume functions as a hybrid reference work, combining geopolitical analysis, military reporting, historical essays, and photographic documentation. It includes over 100 illustrations and maps, along with a complete descriptive reference index, as prominently stated on the cover. The interior contents cover a wide range of topics, including the causes of the war, diplomatic chronology leading to hostilities, military innovations, and contemporary assessments of the belligerent powers.

Illustrated sections shown include period photographs of key European figures such as King Albert of Belgium, Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, and the Marquis of San Giuliano, as well as dramatic battlefield imagery and early war reportage. Essays include titled sections such as “The Causes of Conflict,” “Why the Nations Fight,” “What America Thinks of War,” and a detailed “Chronology of the Diplomacy That Led to War,” providing a near-contemporary American perspective on events that would soon reshape the world.

Physically, the book is bound in its original red cloth boards with black-stamped titling on the front cover reading WAR MANUAL and OF THE GREAT 1914 EUROPEAN CONFLICT, with The World’s Work printed at the top. The spine is titled War Manual – The World’s Work. The binding is intact, with evident period wear. The cloth shows surface fading, rubbing, and edge wear, particularly along the spine and corners. The spine remains present but softened, with fraying visible at the head and tail.

Internally, the pages are complete and firmly bound. Paper exhibits age toning consistent with early 20th-century publication. Illustrations and text remain legible and well printed. The index pages demonstrate the breadth of coverage, listing nations, military units, political leaders, battles, and diplomatic events alphabetically for reference use. No modern repairs or rebinding are evident.

Historically, this volume is a significant artifact of early American engagement with the First World War. Published before U.S. entry into the conflict, it reflects contemporary understanding, biases, and interpretations at a moment when the war’s outcome was far from certain. As such, it is an important primary-source reference for collectors of WWI-era publications, military historians, and those studying wartime media and public opinion.

Condition is good overall. Binding is sound but shows honest wear from age and handling. Interior pages are complete, with light toning and minor edge wear. Illustrations are intact and clear. No loose pages observed.