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The Decline and Fall of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan
Selections from first-hand sources elucidate this photographic history of the last months of World War II in the European and Pacific theaters
431 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1965
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 9, 2014
One of a Kind …
This was my very first World War II book; I “acquired” it from my father’s bookshelf when I was in 6th grade (mid 1970s) and I’ve treasured it ever since. Even today, with the deluge of books covering every facet of World War II, I still believe THE DECLINE AND FALL OF NAZI GERMANY AND IMPERIAL JAPAN deserves a permanent slot on the bookshelf.
What separates this book from others is that it specifically addresses the DAILY happenings during the last weeks of the war in both Europe and the Pacific. The manner in which this period is covered is as uniquely detailed as any of the hundreds of World War II volumes in my library. Hundreds upon hundreds of photos, documents and maps I’d never seen before (or since) make this book worthy to own in and of itself. Rather than straightforward chapter form, every turn of the page includes photos, maps, copies of documents, reports, communiqués, propaganda leaflets/newsletters and brief eyewitness accounts providing a meticulously detailed account of virtually every combat action in those final weeks. The majority of the book is dedicated to the fall of Germany, mainly because its eminent collapse involved numerous Allied advances (British, American and Soviet) that had them fighting through many smaller German cities/towns. My first take on the book as a kid was how dark and foreboding this period must have been, the photos (black and white) projected the imagery of a violent storm looming over Germany and Japan … that visual sticks to this day as I still mentally refer to those images whenever I think of World War II’s final days. Many of the photos clearly depict Germany’s last-ditch attempt to gather older men (Volkssturm) and young boys to do fight off the Allied onslaught using any weapon available. Coverage of the Pacific theatre is mainly confined to Okinawa, but also includes details on the bombing of Japan, the death throes of the decimated Japanese Navy, the Soviet Union’s eventual advance and of course, the dropping of the atomic bombs.
The material is too meticulous and choppy to enjoy a relaxing read and those looking for a linear and straight-forward approach to the subject may not enjoy the book as much. But for those interested in getting their hands on a one-of-a-kind World War II book that presents a “view-from-above” perspective of the wars chaotic end, I would highly recommend picking up a copy.
This was my very first World War II book; I “acquired” it from my father’s bookshelf when I was in 6th grade (mid 1970s) and I’ve treasured it ever since. Even today, with the deluge of books covering every facet of World War II, I still believe THE DECLINE AND FALL OF NAZI GERMANY AND IMPERIAL JAPAN deserves a permanent slot on the bookshelf.
What separates this book from others is that it specifically addresses the DAILY happenings during the last weeks of the war in both Europe and the Pacific. The manner in which this period is covered is as uniquely detailed as any of the hundreds of World War II volumes in my library. Hundreds upon hundreds of photos, documents and maps I’d never seen before (or since) make this book worthy to own in and of itself. Rather than straightforward chapter form, every turn of the page includes photos, maps, copies of documents, reports, communiqués, propaganda leaflets/newsletters and brief eyewitness accounts providing a meticulously detailed account of virtually every combat action in those final weeks. The majority of the book is dedicated to the fall of Germany, mainly because its eminent collapse involved numerous Allied advances (British, American and Soviet) that had them fighting through many smaller German cities/towns. My first take on the book as a kid was how dark and foreboding this period must have been, the photos (black and white) projected the imagery of a violent storm looming over Germany and Japan … that visual sticks to this day as I still mentally refer to those images whenever I think of World War II’s final days. Many of the photos clearly depict Germany’s last-ditch attempt to gather older men (Volkssturm) and young boys to do fight off the Allied onslaught using any weapon available. Coverage of the Pacific theatre is mainly confined to Okinawa, but also includes details on the bombing of Japan, the death throes of the decimated Japanese Navy, the Soviet Union’s eventual advance and of course, the dropping of the atomic bombs.
The material is too meticulous and choppy to enjoy a relaxing read and those looking for a linear and straight-forward approach to the subject may not enjoy the book as much. But for those interested in getting their hands on a one-of-a-kind World War II book that presents a “view-from-above” perspective of the wars chaotic end, I would highly recommend picking up a copy.
February 23, 2024
This fascinating book is a treasure trove of first hand information relating to the final year of World War II. Approximately two thirds of the book is concerned with the war with Nazi Germany. The remainder covers the war in the Far East with a few pages covering the growth of independence movements in countries previously dominated by the colonial powers. It is full of wonderfully specific contemporary photographs but its' real utility comes in the reproduction of key texts and documents. For readers looking for a straightforward narrative this book will not serve the required purpose, but for someone with a basic understanding of the Second World War time-line and a thirst to go deeper, Dollinger's work will really hit the mark. Recommended.
January 28, 2016
This is a 1965 book which consists of loads and loads of photos and maps, with brief descriptions, about what happened to Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan during WWII. Around two-thirds of the book is about Nazi Germany, though, leaving a smaller portion for Japan.
It's interesting, but it's really more of a reference book than anything else.
It's interesting, but it's really more of a reference book than anything else.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews