The Second World War: A Complete History - Softcover

Gilbert, Martin

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0805017887 ISBN 13: 9780805017885

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co (P), 1991

Synopsis

A "magisterial" (The New York Times) single-volume history of WWII

It began with the German invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. By the time it came to an end on V-J Day-August 14, 1945 -it had involved every major power and become global in its reach. In the final accounting, it would turn out to be, in both human terms and material resources, the costliest war in history, taking the lives of thirty million people.
In one brilliant volume, eminent historian Martin Gilbert offers the complete history of the Second World War. With unparalleled scholarship and breadth of vision, Gilbert, the official biographer of Winston Churchill as well as one of the leading experts on the Holocaust, weaves together political, military, diplomatic, and civilian elements to provide a global perspective on the war, in a work that is both a treasure trove of information and a gripping, dramatic narrative.

"In his transmission of the horror of the war, Martin Gilbert has achieved something no other historian but he could. There is indeed a relentless force about chronology when it is used as a tool by an historian of the stature of Martin Gilbert."
-The Sunday Telegraph

"Gilbert's flowing narrative is spiced with anecdotal details culled from diaries, memoirs, and official documents. He is especially skillful at interweaving summaries of military
strategy with vignettes of civilian suffering."-Newsweek

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: Henry Holt & Co (P)
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0805017887
• ISBN 13: 9780805017885
• Binding: Paperback