This book investigates the final hours of World War I, specifically focusing on the events of November 11, 1918, and the paradoxical continuation of fighting despite the impending armistice. Stanley Weintraub, a historian and biographer, utilizes a vast array of primary source materials, including diaries, letters, and official military records from both Allied and Central Power soldiers. He argues that the delay between the signing of the armistice and its implementation led to unnecessary casualties as commanders sought to secure final territorial gains before the ceasefire took effect.

Historians and reviewers frequently note the meticulous detail and the poignant, human-centric approach Weintraub brings to this specific historical moment. Experts highlight this as a significant work for understanding the tragic disconnect between high-level military command and the reality of the front-line experience during the war's conclusion.