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War from the Top: German and British Military Decision Making during World War II

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This book discusses the strategic policies followed by the major powers during the Second World War. Most books rehash the same old information about this or that happened on this or that day but never tell you WHY the happened. This book does and it does so in an easy to read and straight forward way.

The 11 chapters are divided into various periods of the war, such as the Russian Front 1941-1943, the Battle of the Atlantic, and Strategic Bombing vs. Air Defense. As an example of the approach this book takes, the strategic bombing chapter discusses why the Germans didn't really form dedicated air defense systems until late in the war. The production problems which plagued the British armaments factories, which in turn prevented the RAF from effectively bombing Germany until the US entered the war and added their production planes to the offensive. By not having enough planes to replace heavy losses, the RAF was more or less forced into night bombing. Because night bombing was far less accurate than day bombing, little damage was being done to German cities. Because such little damage was actually occurring, the German high command decided it was more important to keep the fighters supporting the front line troops rather than defending the Reich.

Other books prattle incessantly about the missions and how many bombers flew to what city and lost X bombers, but this book gives the reader insight into why the war unfolded the way it did. Why did the British expend so much effort in the Mediterranean? Why did Hitler send troops to fight the British troops there instead of concentrating on Russia? In 1942 the Germans had over 400 U-boats. So why were only 180 operating in the Atlantic?

If you're looking for a book depicting day by day blows of the major battles of World War II, keep looking. However, if you are looking to find a comprehensive coverage of why the war developed the way it did, look no further.