Published to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the battle, this book gives a detailed analysis of the events that took place in the small Belgian village between July and November 1917, including the historical background, tactics and strategies, politics and the personalities involved. The author investigates the issues which had a crucial effect on the course of the battle, including the mutinous state of the French army, the inexplicable bombardment which destroyed the drainage system in the early days, General Sir Doublas Haig's determination to continue operations despite the appalling weather and ground conditions and the stormy relationship between Haig and Lloyd George. Philip Warner is a noted historian of 20th century warfare and the author of "Horrocks: The General Who Led From the Front" and "The Secret Forces of World War II".