Forgotten Battlefronts of the First World War by Martin Marix Evans (Sutton, £25).

THE problem with media interest in the First World War is its fixation with the attrition and stalemate of the Western Front.

Dramatisation, too, also dwells on the starkly graphic horrors of France and Flanders. But the obsession with trenches, mud and ever-present death has now become a much-worn clich.

Happily, authors are now focusing on other - but just as important campaigns - to illustrate how the war was a lot more than the excruciating stereotype of lions led by donkeys.

Martin Evans is a writer who, as this fascinating book proves, is able to see beyond the familiar image and demonstrate a clear understanding of lesser-known actions.

The highly mobile conflicts of 1914, as they burned like summer grass fires across Belgium, is dealt with in depth. The siege of Antwerp is a prime example.

Then there is the Belgians' opening of the sluice gates at Nieuport to flood the low-lying land in order to slow the German advance. Such neglected events are recounted in detail.

This sterling volume sheds valuable light on the strategy, tactics and fighting methods of the protagonists in less familiar settings, whether in the mountains of eastern France, the Italian Alps or in the oppressive heat of the Greek coast.

Many of these largely ignored campaigns were destined to have great effect on the outcome of the more better-known struggles of 1914-18.

Martin Evans has undoubtedly greatly helped our understanding of the conflict with this timely work.

John Phillpott