Customer Reviews

The Second World War Experience Volume 2: Axis Ascendant 1941-42 (Second World War Experience 2)

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This is Volume 2 of a set of 4 Volumes.The others are;
Vol.1 Blitzkrieg 1939-1941
Vol.3 Turning The Tide 1942-1944
Vol.4 Struggle For Victory
It covers WWII ,in both Europe and Asia which isis a monumental task;and has been attempted many times in books and film.
This set is really a snapshot of the major battles,with many enclosures and a CD of reminiscences of veterns who took part in many of the battles,and there is also a recording of President Roosevelt's "Day Of Infamy" address to the Nation,following the Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor.
The book gives a very brief review of each battle,usuallly consisting of only 2 pages ,and over which is more than half taken up with several photographs.In addition there are one or two maps,or other enclosures of copies of messages,propaganda leaflets,letters, etc.Some of these enclosures are in German or other foreign language with translations provided in the back of the book.The book is well constructed with very heavy paper and all the photographs are only in B & W;and most are quite small.The book comes in a slipcase and is large and quite heavy,but consists of only 64 pages.The CD consists of mainly reminiscences
of veterns and what it was like for them and their involvements and memories in them.
In summary;this set is little more than a bird's eye view of the important battles;and if that is what you are looking for,it will satisfy you.If you are expecting substantial coverage or details;you won't find much at all.
Another thing ;it is important to take notice that this book is a British effort in association with The Imperial War Museum,and there is very little mention of the United States and America's involvement,particularly in this Volume,as it is limited to 1941-1942.

this is part of a four volume set and is worth every penny. it is complete in it's coverage and should be part of anyone interested in ww2

As someone who has read many WW II books over the years, I found the Axis Ascendant 1941-1942 a very good review of that part of WW II. Although Richard Overy has some biases, overall I have found him a very good author and does a good job on this volume. Many of the pictures I have not seen before,and I found the facsimile maps, speeches, and other documents to provide what I think is a realistic feel for that particular period.

The CD , which had oral recollections of British veterans, did not deepen the experience for me, but may for others for me. It only partially worked in my car CD player. I am not particularly into oral history, so that did not bother me one way or the other.

I would recommend this volume highly, and plan to purchase the other volumes in this series, and the one specifically on the Pacific War. If you have time to read individual volumes about the many facets of WW II , that of course would give one a more in depth knowledge of that war. But I believe if you read these 5 volumes, your would know much of the important , up to date, WW II history from one of the best WW II authors around.