The Second World War

Book cover of The Second World War

Book description

A magisterial, single-volume history of the greatest conflict the world has ever known by our foremost military historian.

The Second World War began in August 1939 on the edge of Manchuria and ended there exactly six years later with the Soviet invasion of northern China. The war in Europe appeared…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Second World War as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Adam Nevill

Author

It's too easy to dismiss the Second World War. To relegate that epochal conflict into realms of ancient history, action films, kitset models, unread Father's day gifts, and black & white footage. But we all live through the consequences of this epic global struggle. This was the last time western civilisation brought itself close to destruction and it was a close call. 60 million lives were lost and no one died easily. The war was also raging just shy of 80 years ago. In the scheme of human history, that's recent.

Beevor's history of the global conflict - and it…

From Adam's list on Armageddon and our fascination with it.

Gail Kittleson

Author

This book provides so much information about the war. Reading about the actual participants and strategies involved broadened my understanding. I also appreciate the honest inclusion of costly tactical errors made by the military, because these must have generated great tension among the troops. The perspective here creates even more awe for the final Allied success.

From Gail's list on make-do women of WW2.