Field-Marshal Paul von Hindenburg is a well-known figure to world history; the supreme war-lord of Germany for many years of the First World War and conservative figure-head of the post-war Germany. Although not of noble birth he rose through the ranks of the pre-war Prussian army, seeing much service in the Prussian-Austrian war of 1866 and the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. He believed his career over and retired in 1913 before being reactivated for the conflict that would become the First World War. He was assigned to the Eastern Front to combat the Russian armies. Forging a successful partnership with his staff officers, such as Max Hoffmann and Erich Ludendorff who dealt with much of the operational planning, he won the epic victories over the Russians at the battles of Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes. Feted as a national hero after these victories and further successes in 1915, he was summoned to take charge on the Western front in 1916. He would mastermind the defensive strategy of the German army in 1916 and 1917 before committing the Germany army to the last throw of the dice in the 1918 German offensive. His memoirs are essential reading for anyone interested in the motivations of the German High command during the First World War. This first volume begins with his early military career up to his assumption of the post of the Chief of the General Staff in 1918. Author — Field-Marshal von Hindenburg, Paul, 1847-1934. Translator — F. A. Holt. Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in New York, Harper & brothers 1921 Original Page Count – 267 pages. Illustrations — 1 Portrait