Historical Atlas of World War II [Hardcover]

Alexander Swanston (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0785822003 | ISBN-13: 978-0785822004 | Publication Date: May 15, 2008

Charting the most cataclysmic event in humany history, this is collection of over 170 maps detailing every aspect of World War II. From warfare expansions to mass evacuations, see how each factor was plotted and how some went awry.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Charting the most cataclysmic event in humany history, this is collection of over 170 maps detailing every aspect of World War II. From warfare expansions to mass evacuations, see how each factor was plotted and how some went awry.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 401 pages
• Publisher: Book Sales, Inc. (May 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785822003
• ISBN-13: 978-0785822004
• Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 10.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #475,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Large Comprehensive Atlas, June 17, 2009

By 

Dave Schranck "Dave" (Anaheim Ca) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Historical Atlas of World War II (Hardcover)

This is one of the better atlases of WWII. The book is large at 13 in. by 10 in. and the color maps are large and easy to read. The maps are laid out chronologically from before the war to after the war. There is a running dialog which follows the maps, explaining briefly the events of the war. There is a Table of Contents and a Map list which will greatly help you find the map you're after. There are good photos, some full page which will add to your experience. In addition to maps there are graphic illustrations that depict certain conditions or statistics before and during the war. There is a graphic on industrial production, mobilization numbers, casualties etc.
Though the maps are good and have good eye appeal, I prefer greater terrain details. Having more cities, towns and villages would help greatly for example when you are reading other books and you're trying to follow on your atlas. There would be many times you couldn't because the details are missing. Because rivers are so important in battle and much discussion is made in books, the rivers in your atlas should be named also. There are only few named in this atlas. There are no woods or swamps depicted either but they played an important part in battle. The troop movements in this atlas are not as exacting as they should be.
This atlas is good and should satisfy all but the most demanding.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Mapping and Article Insertion of WW2 Military and Historical Trends, January 15, 2009

By 

T. Dubbs (Ca. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Historical Atlas of World War II (Hardcover)

Excellent, High Quality Map Diagrams from the End of WW1, the German Build Up to WW2, initial battles in WW2 to German advances and eventual losses in WW2.
Excellent inserts of weaponry, pictures of Territory and Towns, the People fighting as well as victims all bring life to the Maps.
The Atlas provides a very good historical overview of some catalysts behind the German issues with Poland and France while staying true to its intent - that being an Atlas. Great Entertainment, Education and Reference Atlas.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Large and colorful maps & graphics, March 27, 2010

By 

R. Perry "baseball geek" (Troy, MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Historical Atlas of World War II (Hardcover)

When I'm reading books about WW2, I use this atlas as a crucial companion resource. I'm currently reading two books for the first time, "American Caesar", William Manchester's classic of Douglas MacArthur in the Pacific theatre and "When Titans Clashed", David Glantz's account of how the Red Army stopped Hitler. Without this atlas, I wouldn't be able to fully comprehend or appreciate the true breadth and scope of these crucial events in the Pacific and Eastern Front.
This oversize atlas, 13x10 in., has huge color maps that chronologically spotlight major battles and campaigns, while charting detailed troop movements,etc. A brief narrative presents an overview and describes the significance of each campaign and battle. There are a few photos, maybe one every other page, but it's the maps and graphics that are outstanding. I never fully appreciated MacArthurs strategy in the Philippines until I studied these maps. How could he possibly defend a coastline the size of the United States? By referencing the maps and narrative in the atlas, I could better visualize the strategy and timeline behind events surrounding Operation Barbarossa, Stalingrad, Leningrad and truly appreciate the enormity of causalities suffered on the Eastern Front and how crucial the Eastern Front was to allied success.
For military purists, this atlas lacks some rivers, towns and terrain, but for the average person wishing to better comprehend events during WW2, this is a wonderful atlas.