The Second World War: An Illustrated History [Hardcover]

John Keegan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 1990

some light tearing of dust jacket

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This account of WW II, though controversial, is rich in fresh perception, interpretation and opinion. In addition to penning a fast-paced campaign chronicle, Keegan ( The Mask of Command ) makes a convincing case for the prime motivations of Allied and Axis leaders, pinpoints the practical results of Allied summit conferences and defines the war's geopolitical dimensions. He maintains that Stalin's purge of the Soviet high command was beneficial in certain respects, and explains why Guadalcanal was a cheap victory for the U.S. Keegan argues that Churchill's hope that resistance forces would "set ablaze" Europe was a romantic notion, and that the British "descended to the enemy's level" in the strategic bombing of Germany. Most provocative are his comments on Roosevelt: while many historians would agree that FDR was the most enigmatic of the war's major figures, few will concur that his policies were "profoundly ambiguous." Photos. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

In contrast to Martin Gilbert's broader The Second World War ( reviewed in this issue, p.101), Keegan's work is more a battle campaign. His strength as a military historian ( The Face of Battle, The Price of Admiralty ) is in his ability to synthesize the order of battle without getting bogged down in minutae. The mighty German-Russian struggles are well covered, as is the war in the Pacific. While Robert Leckie's Delivered from Evil: The Saga of World War II ( LJ 9/1/87) is nearly twice as long as Keegan's book, integrates biographical material into the narrative, and is less analytical than Keegan's, Keegan's is extremely well written; the reader can almost visualize the movement of an army without looking at the maps. On another level, however, Keegan tends to be simplistic (e.g., in his discussion of the causes of World War II, in his view that the war would have come even without Hitler) and skim over many topics. Nevertheless, academic and larger public libraries will find this in demand. Recommended. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/89.
- Robert Jordan, Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 608 pages
• Publisher: Viking Adult (January 11, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670823597
• ISBN-13: 978-0670823598
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #305,993 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive overview of WWII, August 13, 2004

By 

Jerry Saperstein (Evanston, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Second World War: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

World War II was the largest war in history in every way possible. More people mobilized into the country. Battlefronts in more countries than in any other war. More people killed and injured. In fact, World War II was the crucial event of the 20th Century. It represented the synthesis of technology and intentio nal destruction. WWII was probably the last major conventional war humankind will see, as the past half-century has demonstrated.

Keegan's overview is comprehensive. While entire volumes could and have been written on such topics as the Eastern Front (more than 15,000), Keegan looks at the broader scope, but provides a surprising amount of detail.

For someone seeking a one-volume history that will fully acquaint them with this great, tragic conflict, this is it.

Jerry

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Overall Books About World War 2 Written Yet., December 9, 2011

By 

Marc S. "Jaded_Bookworm" (Southern California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Second World War: An Illustrated History (Hardcover)

I read this book from the library, twice, and had to buy it when the library copy became unavailable. It's a brilliant and concise analysis of every major battle fought in WW2 - the whos, the whys, the human factors, maybe one of the best books on WW2 ever written (and i have read them all).

I found it fascinating reading and intend to read it again. My copy has fallen apart from being read so much so i am going to have to buy it again, it's that good. You will either love it or hate it so i'd look inside first if your library doesn't have it (it is out of print).