Verdun, the bloodiest battle of World War I, is presented in a captivating narrative - from the battles themselves to the culture of remembrance in France and Germany. On a cold February morning in 1916, more than 1,000 German artillery pieces opened fire on French positions around Verdun. For ten months, fierce fighting ensued, resulting in the deaths of 300,000 soldiers. Verdun remains a symbol of senseless death and grueling trench warfare to this day. In his brilliant portrayal, American historian and excellent expert on French history Paul Jankowski immerses readers in the events, making the fears and hopes of the combatants palpable. He also describes how the "battle of the century" was perceived in both countries and politically appropriated from the very beginning. A significant social history of World War I.