At last a readable - and clear - account of Europe's tensions leading up to that fateful shooting in June 1914, and the diplomatic fumblings that let the world drift into war. Or did it? Fromkin argues strongly that Austria wanted war with Serbia - to destroy Serbia - and expected Germany to keep the conflict localised, whereas Germany wanted war with France and Russia before it was 'too late.' It is fascinating watching the way the Kaiser was marginalised as key moments because the German military thought he would reject war, and how opinion in Britain - at least amongst the policymakers - changed so rapidly in early August. A fascinating and readable book, making full use of the latest arguments and research, that clarifies a murky topic. Recommended.