Customer Reviews

World War II: A Short History (3rd Edition)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This interesting and very well written book is intended as a general text book for teaching purposes, and as such is geared to a more basic and general understanding of the broad sweep, causes, course, and effects of the Second World War than it is a revealing or thought-provoking examination or reinterpretation of all the evidence such as Weinberg's magisterial "A World At Arms" or Murray and Millet's comprehensive "A War To Be Won". That being said, it is indeed an excellent text, now in its third edition.

Written by author Michael J. Lyons, it comprises a very readable overview of every salient aspect in the war, albeit briefly, in all the political, diplomatic, economic, military and human dimensions in which the war was played out. Not only does it quite adequately detail the significant events precipitating the conflict, but also describes very well the manifest consequences of the defeat of both Germany and Japan. Lyons gives us a reader-friendly account of both European and Pacific campaigns, and provides a lot of interesting and useful connections between the two fronts.

Long in use, the book is generally regarded as being quite literate and yet eminently readable, hence its wide use in college classrooms. The text not only provides the kind of comprehensive overview students need to make sense of such an overwhelming historical phenomenon as WWII, but also serves to illuminate the mechanics behind the origins, course, and consequent long-term effects of that war, providing a well reasoned and balanced overview that while uncontroversial, also pulls few punches regarding causes and effects. I would recommend its purchase for anyone wanting a nice hardbound overview that is easy to read and also relatively kind to one's limited resources. Enjoy

This interesting and very well written book is intended as a general text book for teaching purposes, and as such is geared to a more basic and general understanding of the broad sweep, causes, course, and effects of the Second World War than it is a revealing or thought-provoking examination or reinterpretation of all the evidence such as Weinberg's magisterial "A World At Arms" or Murray and Millet's comprehensive "A War To Be Won". That being said, it is indeed an excellent text, now in its third edition.

Written by author Michael J. Lyons, it comprises a very readable overview of every salient aspect in the war, albeit briefly, in all the political, diplomatic, economic, military and human dimensions in which the war was played out. Not only does it quite adequately detail the significant events precipitating the conflict, but also describes very well the manifest consequences of the defeat of both Germany and Japan. Lyons gives us a reader-friendly account of both European and Pacific campaigns, and provides a lot of interesting and useful connections between the two fronts.

Long in use, the book is generally regarded as being quite literate and yet eminently readable, hence its wide use in college classrooms. The text not only provides the kind of comprehensive overview students need to make sense of such an overwhelming historical phenomenon as WWII, but also serves to illuminate the mechanics behind the origins, course, and consequent long-term effects of that war, providing a well reasoned and balanced overview that while uncontroversial, also pulls few punches regarding causes and effects. I would recommend its purchase for anyone wanting a nice hardbound overview that is easy to read and also relatively kind to one's limited resources. Enjoy

The book definitely offers a good overview of the EUROPEAN part of World War II, from diplomatic, economic, military before and during the conflict. Lyons offers a balanced view of conflict and that would both be suitable for academics and general readers alike. Lyons' style also provide the wealth of information in an interesting way.

However, Lyons' spent most of its time on Europe and overlooks the World War II outside the Western Hemisphere. It would be easy to overlook that China and Japan has already began fighting in July 1937, over two years before Germany invaded Poland on September 1939.

In depth text of the events prior, during and after World War II. Starts with the Signing of the Treaty of Versailles by the "Big Three" (France, Britain and United States) and ends with the events leading to the unset of the Korean War. In the text there are numerous maps of military strategies and movements from the Mediterranean Theater Operations to Germans' Blitzkrieg. I personal recommend this prestigious text for anyone wanting an extensive academia perspective to the events, people, and situations of World War II.

I received the book in impeccable timing, and I peronsally think that the book is in better condition than advertised. Thank you so much!

If you like text, this book is for you. It flows well, is balanced and fairly easy to read, but if you like color, don't bother. It is black and white throughout. More maps would be helpful, as would graphical comparisons when listing out numbers and totals.

I paid $40 for a book that was classified as acceptable. I am so completely disappointed with this product. It is falling apart. It is barely together. My post office even stamped it as damaged. To top that off it was wrapped in CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPER. I'm ready to get my money back. That is outrageous to be quite frank. I will never buy from this person ever again.

I give this only a 4 due to the poor quality of the binding and the poor black and white maps and photos. If on content alone, it would be a 6 (yeah, not possible - I know). M. Lyons does a tremendous job illuminating the facts behind the battles and decisions in the most concise and precise ways. I teach a CO-OP home-school WWII class and this will be on my lectern from Day 1!
The text covers enough of WWI to help explain how the treaties afterward were essentially only an armistice for 20 years and led to WWII. He also addresses the finanial, geopolitical, and nationalistic atmospheres that helped bring about the NEXT 'War to End all Wars.'
He then begins a thorough trek through the history of this great conflict. He illuminates the military strategies and battles with precision and deftness. This book delves much deeper than just a liturgy of the various battles, their outcomes, and the fortunes of the combatants. It also covers the whys and what-for's that led to the battle decisions and those who made them.
If you're looking for a text to teach the whole history of the war and want it done WELL in just over 300 pages, this is the one. It's remarkable how he seems to not miss a topic yet uses so little space - the sign of excellent writing! While the cost is somewhat high (hey, it's a college textbook), it is more than worth it.

Good show, Mr. Lyons!

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