In "Planning Armageddon," Nicholas A. Lambert presents a riveting exploration of the British Admiralty's audacious scheme to secure a swift victory over Germany at the onset of the First World War. Lambert delves deep into the pre-war strategy that sought to leverage Britain's dominance in banking, communications, and shipping—not merely as tools of national power but as weapons of economic warfare. This groundbreaking plan aimed to trigger a catastrophic collapse of the global economy, banking on the assumption that such a collapse would bring Germany to its knees before the full horrors of prolonged conflict could unfold. Lambert's meticulous research sheds light on a little-known aspect of World War I strategy, revealing the extent to which economic considerations were interwoven with military planning. By examining the intricate details of the Admiralty's plan, "Planning Armageddon" offers a fascinating glimpse into the minds of those who believed they could engineer a quick end to one of history's most devastating wars through the manipulation of economic systems. This book is not only a testament to the innovative—and potentially devastating—strategies devised by wartime leaders but also a compelling narrative that challenges our understanding of how wars are fought and won.