Second World War - Softcover

Gilbert, Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0006372538 ISBN 13: 9780006372530

Publisher: Fontana Press, 1990

Synopsis

World War II was the most destructive human conflict in history. 40 million people died during the 2,174 days from Germany's attack on Poland in 1939 to the surrender of Japan in August in 1945. The author charts events that took place from week to week and looks at all its aspects.

About this title

Review:

"Surprisingly effective in reminding us that World War II was more than a series of battles and feats of arms."

From the Publisher:

Amanda Foreman explains why this is one of her favourites...
There are so many good books on World War II, but Gilbert’s stands out for two reasons.

First, as Winston Churchill’s biographer, Gilbert is the only historian in the world to have had complete access to all his papers. This gives a depth and insight into the War from Britain’s perspective that many other books lack.

But perhaps more importantly, Second World War has a profound humanity. Unlike most war historians, Gilbert is also a specialist in the holocaust, and he put his intimate knowledge of individual case histories to use while writing the book. While describing the German onslaught through town and countryside, Gilbert is also able to highlight the fate of individuals – a twelve-year-old boy named Laslo taken out and shot, the Goldschmid family obliterated.

It is Gilbert’s broad vision that makes this book a classic.

About this edition

• Publisher: Fontana Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0006372538
• ISBN 13: 9780006372530
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 846