Chapter I: Preface

These essays, upon different phases of the wonderful world-drama which has made our lifetime memorable, would be unworthy of republication were it not that at such a time every smallest thing which may help to clear up a doubt, to elucidate the justice of our cause, or to accentuate the desperate need of national effort, should be thrown into the scale. The longest essay appeared in _The Fortnightly Review_ and the shorter ones for the most part in _The Daily Chronicle_. I have left them as written at the time, even where after-events have caused some modification of my views.

ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE.
WINDLESHAM, CROWBOROUGH,
_November 1914._

CONTENTS

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I. THE CAUSES OF THE WAR 1