Trench: a History of Trench Warfare on the Western Front, Stephen Bull, Osprey Publishing, 2014, 272 pp, ISBN: 978 1 4728 0132 6, £14.99.

We have already seen a publishing explosion about World War 1 and, as each succeeding anniversary passes, the older books will be discarded.  However, Trench by Stephen Bull will stand the test of time and be an invaluable companion to all the rest.  Trench warfare was part of a soldier's life for nearly the whole of the conflict and this book explains how it happened and how it was possible that a line of defences 450 miles in length could have been constructed on the Western Front, lived in and fought over for so long.

In association with the Imperial War Museum (IWM) Dr Bull tells his story through chapters about the opposing armies; the beginning of the trenches; the routine of trench life; new weapons and tactics; the use of gas by both sides; raiding and sniping; mining; the use of concrete and improved German fortifications; the tank and Over the Top.  It is extremely well illustrated, with pictures, drawings and maps (including coloured trench maps of some of the better known areas) from the archive of the IWM and from the author's own collection.

This is an excellent resource at a very reasonable price for any individual interested in the First World War and for the library of any educational establishment studying it.