Americans called it "the Gettysburg of the Great War." The US Marines fighting in this small patch of French woodland were well aware they were giving their lives for a piece of ground about half the size of New York's Central Park, and that only about 200 of them were facing down Crown Prince Rupprecht's entire army. They were also aware this game preserve of a French aristocrat let straight to Paris, and with France fallen to the Germans Britain and the newly-entering US would probably be forced to capitulate. Consultant and independent historian Axelrod gets every detail in its proper place, and makes wise and extensive use of primary sources, letting the participants speak for themselves. The result is both comprehensive and lively, and the reader comes to understand why the Germans called the tiny band of Marines "Teuffelhunden," Devil Dogs. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)