World War II: A New History - Softcover

Mawdsley, Evan

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521608430 ISBN 13: 9780521608435

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Synopsis

This book is a magisterial global history of World War II. Beginning in 1937 with the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War, Evan Mawdsley shows how the origins of World War II lay in a conflict between the old international order and the new and then traces the globalisation of the conflict as it swept through Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His primary focus is on the war's military and strategic history though he also examines the political, economic, ideological, and cultural factors which influenced the course of events. The war's consequences are examined too, not only in terms of the defeat of the Axis but also the break-up of colonial empires and the beginning of the Cold War. Accessibly written and well-illustrated with maps and photographs, this compelling new account also includes short studies of the key figures, events and battles that shaped the war.

About this title

Product Description:

World War II This book, first published in 2009, is a global history of the Second World War. Full description

Review:

'This objective account of grand strategy of victors and losers in WWII is a direct hit. What emerges is an original thesis, a new insight into the complicated story of the global conflict between 1937 and 1945: factually reliable, cogently argued and concisely written. Magnificent ... A new Weinberg is born.' Jürgen Förster, University of Freiburg

'Mawdsley's comprehensive command of sources, his perceptive analysis, and his vivid presentation make this especially valuable for undergraduates studying the Second World War and military history in general.' Dennis Showalter, Colorado College and author of Hitler's Panzers

'Evan Mawdsley's new single-volume history of World War II, arguably the Twentieth Century's most terrible war, sets a new standard for scholarship in this vital field. Exploiting an imposing array of fresh archival materials and synthesizing a multitude of recent studies on the subject, Mawdsley redefines the war's basic parameters by including the conflict's oft-neglected but vitally important eastern European and Asiatic dimensions. By doing so he combats the parochialism so pervasive in previous national perspectives on the war and produces a uniquely balanced assessment of the war's multiple theaters and fronts. These qualities ensure that Mawdsley's World War II will likely remain the finest single-volume history of the war for years to come.' David M. Glantz, The Citadel (Military College of South Carolina)

'Beginning in 1937 and not in 1939, and focusing on Asia as much as Europe, World War II sets its subject in its proper global and chronological context. Its prose is straightforward and direct, with a clarity that rests on sophisticated arguments and deep reading. Such balance makes it an ideal introductory text, but it is one from which even knowledgeable readers will learn.' Hew Strachan, University of Oxford

'To write a concise book about the biggest war in world history is no small task, but Evan Mawdsley has done it with masterful skill and insight. He casts a fresh light on the war. ... What makes this a must-buy for anyone interested in the subject is the beautifully produced maps, illustrations and the fifty-seven short boxes on topics ranging from 'General Ludendorff and total war' to 'The Katyn massacre'. This is a superb read for students and general readers alike, but also an authoritative work of reference.' BBC History Magazine

'It is a rare textbook that is both cutting and new: the book proves that we need to place the start of the Second World War in East Asia in 1937, rather than Europe in 1939 or Russia and Pearl Harbour in 1941. It changes how we write history.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

'Fresh, insightful judgements and well-judged overall balance make this a masterful book. Its effectiveness is enhanced by the use of side panels that convey important factual information about the tools of war ... without interrupting the flow of the narrative. In every respect - conception, design, construction and delivery - this is a book that really works.' John Gooch, War in History

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0521608430
• ISBN 13: 9780521608435
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 498