The American Heritage Picture History of World War II

by Cyrus Leo Sulzberger II

A Pictoral history of World War II; More than 720 great photographs from World War II

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military History, World War II, War, Politics, American History

640 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Cyrus Leo Sulzberger II (October 27, 1912 – September 20, 1993) was a U.S. journalist, diarist, and author, and a member of the family that owns the New York Times. During the 1950s and 1960s, he was that newspaper's lead foreign correspondent.

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone with a budding interest or desire to know more about World War II, this is the book to read.

I received my copy of "The American Heritage Picture History of World War II" as a Christmas gift in 1976 from a neighborhood friend.

[Joe Krakovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a classic. My parents bought me a copy back in 1970. I just had to reread it again. Lots of cool photos and art work. Does a pretty good job of trying to cover so many topics about the war. (Spoiler: we won)

[carl theaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic picture book of WW2; great for the person
who wants an overview of the war and also for the veteran history
fan. First published in 1966, it is books like this that made the
720 photos, 92 in color, (as the dust jacket flap counts for us),
into familiar remembrances of the conflict.

Also a great remembrance and accomplishment, for me, was acquiring
this book. There was a brand new mall with a brand new B. Dalton
bookstore in the suburbs of St. Louis. Fellow teenage history and
sports loving friends and I were enchanted by the leathery, old
English library ambiance. During many visits, in which we rarely
bought anything, we paged through the variety of books we longed for.
It may have been the first dedicated bookstore I'd ever been in.

When I saw this book I really wanted it, though the $20.00
price was a lofty goal (adjusted for inflation today - $3000.00).
I made from $1.50 to $3.00 for mowing a yard. With luck & rain
I'd mow 2 or 3 yards a week. Making the money is difficult enough
for a teenager, saving it is another with all the temptations at
that age.

I was proud of my purchase and I relished looking at every photo
and read every word, eventually dozens of times. Also being into model
making, the color drawings of the airplanes from the various countries
showing all the markings and camouflage was particularly thrilling.
And I still own the now well-worn book,
mmmm I may just look through it now.

[Tyler H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The American Heritage Picture History of World War 2 is an excellent depiction of the greatest conflict of human history and is a great read for history buffs. The book is organized in chronological order and walks you through the entirety of the Second World War with perfectly written paragraphs which display the true nature of the conflict. The genre of the book is non fiction and the book takes while to read as it is over 600 pages. The book also gives you diary entries, memoirs, letters, statements, and more from people with different perspectives that experienced the Second World War. Another reason that this book is great is because of how in depth the author Cyrus Leo Sulzberger goes to make sure you have an excellent understanding of World War 2. Lastly the book provides amazing photographs of every single thing it describes which includes political leaders and all of the armies of the world.

[Jc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This remains a good introductory overview of WWII, its people, politics, technology, strategy, and sheer horror. However, as it was written in the mid-1960s, it does need some serious updating. But it is worth having for its images alone. The photos, artwork, maps, and more that are used to illustrate and complete this work are amazing. Also, as it was only 20 years after the war, there is a lot of interview material, along with essays and quotes, from eyewitnesses (including Sulzberger himself) to the events being described. This is a good addition to any serious collection of WW II literature.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overall analysis of the strategic and operational levels of war in WW2. Goes into enough detail into every theater of the war to satisfy your average historian's curiosity, and peak the interest of those who wish to do further research into more specific topics. This is a wonderful place to start if you are unversed in the part of history. An incredibly refreshing read after my read of WWI by SLA Marshall.

[Steve Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasonably good short history of the Second World War. The writer is an obvious fan of FDR, this detracts a bit from the objectivity of the writing. What makes the book so readable is that nearly every entry consists of a picture with a short paragraph or two covering topic under discussion. Every so often there will be a longer 4-8 page summary placing what was just covered or is about to be covered in perspective. Released in 1966 the Cold War situation creeps into some of the writing.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pictures are wonderful, but the best part of this book are the personal "eyewitness close-up"s--personal accounts of the big events. I plan to read every one to my children this year for school.
"Fortitude is admirabel under any flag, and those Japanese soldiers had it." General Eichelberger

I recommend this to anyone, especially someone who's not interested in WWII. It will change your mind.

[Don Heiman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume was published in 1966 and by today's standards its conclusions are dated. Nonetheless, the summary chapter helped me better understand political thought about the Cold War in the 1960's. The author does a great job summarizing the defining moments of the war but his perspective carries a a distinctive American prejudice. The many pictures in the book are wonderful but the author's references are weak.

[Sheri Fresonke Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides a very general overview of World War II featuring about a chapter per every major phase of the war. It includes dramatic photographs, personal accounts, maps showing the general troop movements along with a high level discussion of the effects on each of the main countries involved: US, Germany, UK, Japan, Russia, Italy, North Africa, France, Norway, China etc.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an impressive array of images to better illustrate the story of World War II but only from the point of view of the U.S. That is its only major downfall. However, if there were more points of view, then the book would be even larger. Overall, it is a nice reference to have.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for WWII buffs. Echoing other reviews on this one, what makes it great is that it consists of eyewitness accounts, as Sulzberger emphasizes the people involved in this historic event.

[Raymond Hwang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very cursory treatment of World War II. As you can imagine, it is a large book with lots of pictures. He used summary and detail to organize the war into sections. I liked it as a framework that I can build on more detailed books.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dramatic pictures, well placed.

[Chris May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the war with tons of pictures. Don't be intimidated by the size of the book, the photos easily take 1/3 to 1/2 of the book.

[Jonah Henshin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, whether to sit and read every page, or simply to flip through and look at some of the stunning photos.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of clear and often large pictures depicting the devastation, the carnage, the dirtiness, and the lives of soldiers and people during this world encompassing conflict.