Elusive Dove

Most histories of World War I revolve around gruesome battles, ribboned generals and feats of military heroism. All too often the acts of those who tried to stop the fighting by word or deed have been drowned out by the roar of cannons. Yet even in the heat of battle individuals of courage stepped forward and attempted to bring the better part of humanity out of darkness and to revive the phoenix of peace.
This book tells in detail the stories of these people and their organizations, in Asia, North and South America and Europe. Henry Ford’s “peace ship” of December 1915, the famous Christmas truce of 1914, secret diplomatic missions by Austro-Hungarian Prince Sixtus, and myriad other efforts are described, showing that the desire for peace was widespread and fervent.

Neil Hollander has been a university professor, sailor, journalist and film producer/director. He lives in Paris, France.

Neil Hollander
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 312
Bibliographic Info: notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2014
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7891-0
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1410-6
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents


Preface 1

One • A Prelude for Peace 3

Two • “Peace Before Christmas…” 77

Three • The Long Road to Peace 147

Four • Peace—with a Vengeance 239

Conclusion 255

Chapter Notes 259

Bibliography 287

Index 299

“recommended”—Choice; “Hollander gives us a very interesting look at what would today be called the peace process during World War I…worth reading by anyone with an interest in World War I and the problem of war and peace”—The NYMAS Review; “an unusual book and worth reading by anyone with an interest in World War I and the problem of war and peace”—Strategy Page.