A recently formed history book group will discuss the first 360 pages of G.J. Meyer’s “A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914-1918” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday March 28 at Decorah Public Library. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the front desk of the library by March 11. 

Reviewer Jay Peterson states, “It may seem impossible to write an ‘intimate’ account of such a global catastrophe, but Meyer has succeeded in doing just that: a masterful narrative history that eloquently conveys the sense of a civilization engaged in massive self-destruction, while its leaders, blinded by hubris, nationalism, or outright ignorance, led the charge. Although Meyer pays ample attention to the broad themes of causation and military strategies, he consistently reminds us that the war was a compilation of millions of individual tragedies; he also offers interesting and controversial insights into the motivations of many of the key participants. This is an outstanding survey of a cataclysm that still casts a shadow over world affairs.”

The history book group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month; meetings are open to all. The second half of the Meyer book will be the topic of discussion at the Thursday April 25 meeting.  Call 563-382-3717 with questions.