Product Description

In this history of World War II, the author explores both the technical and the human impact of the conflict. The text concentrates on five crucial battles with the aim of illuminating the war as a whole: Crete, Midway, Falaise, Berlin and Okinawa.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #81442 in Books
• Published on: 1997-11-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 520 pages

Customer Reviews

A good introduction to World War II
This is a solid introduction to the subject, packed with detail, well-researched and enjoyable to read. The focus of the book is on the military details (manoeuvres, weapons, etc.); I would have preferred more discussion of the political, social, historical and cultural context of the war (although the economic context is covered quite well) and a little less technical military detail. A few light criticisms: The book would have benefited from more maps, as there is a great deal of discussion of geographic positions and operational manoeuvres, and there are only a few simple maps in the book. There are also a number of appalling typos. Overall, well worth a read, although I have to believe there is a better general introduction to WWII out there.

A masterclass in Military History from the maestro
Anyone wanting to find a concise overview of World War II that puts every major event into an overall context should look no further. This book is an astonishingly complete account of the hostilities from start to finish. Every significant battle is included together with an incisive summary of why it was important or memorable. The deep knowledge of his subject demonstrated by the author is complemented by a lucid and engaging style. Keegan manages to combine an economy of words with a depth of insight that conveys information without sentimentality or detachment. As a result the facts speak for themselves, often with a devestating effect. Where Keegan provides deeper analysis, his arguements are structured with precision and clarity. You immediately sense that the more detailed observations provided are not one man's subjective view but the result of academic study across a wide range of other accounts. What Keegan has managed to pack into a book of such size is as remarkable as the events he describes. Any serious student of 20th Century warfare should read this book.

Not Keegan's best, but a good book nevertheless
Quite different in style and structure from the companion book "The First World War". I found it somewhat turgid, and under enthralling. Clearly well written, researched and presented. I think this author assumes too much of a grasp of miliary theory, and I agree with the point about the maps - explaining a complex battle suitation in text just doesnt do it unless you can see it visually. One of the problems of this kind of book is perspective. I think a chronological order is good, but tends to view from a number of different angles. Therefore, to view it from the belligerents point of view is somewhat difficult. Again, whilst blow-by-blow accounts are shown, does not really get under the skin and weigh up priorities, balances, points of views, importance of theatres etc. For example, it doesnt explain how important North Africa or Singapore was to Churchill. Still, criticisms aside, a good book.