As a student of war and someone who is currently writing his dissertation on this subject I would have to say that Calder is wrong. He is too keen to accept a tempting theory and places to much empahsis on the power of propaganda. It is certainly the case that propaganda had a role in shaping public opinion but the propaganda its self was not without basis in fact. So mayde the sickening stuff we were all taught at school is not so bad afterall.

In summary this is a well written and easy to read book. It provides an intersting perspective of a subject that has the tendancy to become repetative and boring, I do not think Calder is right and think that his book must be taken in the context of the plethora of other books written on this subject. However, it is worth reading by anyone interested on this topic.