Emphasis is on the military chronology, not the political or social history of the event that "created" the twentieth century. Starting with William Manchester's weak introduction, Burg and Purcell provide an almost daily account of events on the Western Front, with much less attention paid to other theaters. The chronology is filled with pictures -- many rarely printed and of some interest -- and generally useless sidebars that only barely scratch the surface of their topics. The maps are old, and completely inadequate for their purpose. The biographies are somewhat useful, but are only a glimmering of the promise that the book could have held. A basic reference work, little more.

Great day-by-day record of the war. Entries broken down by area (e.g., Verdun, Mesopotamia, German East Africa), includes both political and military events, though the former is by far in the minority (and arguably too light in this area). Several illustrations and photographs throughout, which I don't think add much, but are welcome, as they are not the usual US-British-French-German-centric fare of pictorial histories. Several "topics" are covered on pages scattered throughout discussing certain major themes (e.g. infantry tactics) or innovations (e.g., tanks, aircraft). Mostly very general, but brief and concise; helpful to the general reader--and a reminder to the well-versed of the period-- to understand the war machinery of the conflict.

My only gripe is that the maps are mostly useless, as the events detailed in the almanac occur at a much smaller scale than those included. A companion atlas or appendix with detailed maps would help a great deal towards following the events, especially in more remote locals, such as Africa and Middle East.