This novel, is exactly that, a novel. Nobody should buy this book because of the belief it will give you a definitive and accurate look at world war one. Because it's not only about WW1 it is about excitement, adventure, and most of all sales. Does one go out to buy a reference book for the sheer pleasure of indulging in hundreds of small facts that leave you satisfied and glad that you just read it cover to cover? No. The First Casualty on the other hand does just that. Now admittedly Elton has taken a much different approach to this than all his previous efforts. It carries a much more serious tone and definitely attempts to tone down the sheer hilarity contained in some other of his other pieces, so it may not be for the die-hard Elton fans wafting around in cyber space. BUT it is still a fantastic read and self important gits that find themselves needing to make it clear that they find themselves superior to others by pointing out the innacuracies of the historical content merely for the fact that they haven't had a girlfriend for ten years nor will have one for another should not put you off buying this book. Ben Elton is a literary genius and it will keep you entertained for as long as you turn the pages.