Myths and Legends of the Second World War [Paperback]

James Hayward (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 26, 2005

As with the Great War, the Second World War gave rise to a rich crop of legends, many of which persist in the public consciousness even today. Some are well known, like the Dunkirk story, which portrayed the disaster of 1940 as a victory. Others are more obscure like the rumors of a German invasion attempt on the beaches of Norfolk in 1940, a myth that resurfaced in 1992. There are stories of the 'Manston Mutiny' during the Battle of Britain, espionage myths that surround the sinking of the battleship Royal Oak at Scapa Flow, the falsehood that no German spies in Britain operated outside MI5's double-cross system, and the real story behind 'the man who never was' (first revealed in 1996). Also covered are the Rudolf Hess story, myths about the nature and true effectiveness of the Resistance movements in Europe, and the true extent of Hitler's belief in astrology and his quest for the Holy Grail. Myths on land, sea and air are also discussed including the 'betrayal' at Dieppe, Nazi U-boat bases in Ireland. Weaving his narrative around a wide range of contemporary documentary sources, James Hayward presents an objective and rigorous analysis of the main myths, legends and popular falsehoods of the Second World War. The result is a new and refreshing perspective on the popular image of the Second World War.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fascinating introduction which will interest anybody who is researching the period, or indeed, who was there."  —Family History

"Hayward illustrates that no rumor was too ridiculous, and no exaggeration too great."  —Eye Spy

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

James Hayward is a solicitor by profession. He has an active interest in twentieth-century military history and self-published his first book. Shingle Street. in 1994 (a study of myth and propaganda in 1940). His first book for Sutton, Myths and Legends of the First World War, was published in 2002. He lives in Dereham, Norfolk.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Sutton Publishing; 1st edition (March 26, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750938757
• ISBN-13: 978-0750938754
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,485,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Debunking the misconceptions, myths, and misunderstandings arising from conflicts, June 7, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Myths & Legends of the Second World War (Hardcover)

Myths And Legends Of The Second World War by James Hayward is an impressive collection of lore and lies, folk stories and propaganda generated misinformation drawn from every theatre of World War II. Debunking the misconceptions, myths, and misunderstandings arising from conflicts, Myths And Legends Of The Second World War addresses and corrects such "tall tale" stories as the "Foo Fighters" and UFOs, German Parachutists dressed as nuns, Hitler's escape to South America, German U-boat bases in Ireland, Herman Hess and the British Royals, a massacre that never took place, an invasion that never was, and other enduring myths. Offering a large print format for easy reading and enhanced with the inclusion of an extensive bibliography, Myths And Legends Of The Second World War is very highly recommended reading military buffs for its clarifications and explanations of World War II's most enduring but quite erroneous stories.