World War II

Reviews / Votes

'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.' Juergen Foerster, 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 edge 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