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The Origins of World War II
More than 60 years have passed since the outbreak of the most catastrophic conflict the world has known: 30 million people dead and unbelievable devastation. In the 3rd edition of this popular volume, Keith Eubank seeks answers to the questions that have plagued us: Why, after the ghastly ordeal of World War I did Western powers undervalue the threat from Hitler? Why was there so much reluctance on the part of Britain and France to confront Germany? Why had Germany been permitted to rearm and to occupy independent nations without a struggle? What was the policy of appeasement? Why did the appeasers fail to perceive Hitler's intentions? In addition to a re-examination of these questions and an effort to dispel the enduring myths surrounding the history of this era, Keith Eubank has enhanced this new edition by including an analysis of the motivations and actions of central figures such as Neville Chamberlain and Joseph Stalin as well as a re-assessment of Soviet policies in the light of recent research that reveals their leaders as far less altruistic than some have imagined. With an expanded conclusion, a new photo section, and an updated bibliographic essay, this book remains an excellent brief overview of the period between 1918 and 1939.
196 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1969
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 18, 2021
More than 60 years have passed since the outbreak of the most catastrophic conflict the world has known: 30 million people dead and unbelievable devastation. The Origins of World War II (European History Series (Arlington Heights, Ill.).) the 3rd edition of this popular volume by Keith Eubank seeks answers to the questions that have plagued us: Why, after the ghastly ordeal of World War I did Western powers undervalue the threat from Hitler? Why was there so much reluctance on the part of Britain and France to confront Germany? Why had Germany been permitted to rearm and to occupy independent nations without a struggle? What was the policy of appeasement? Why did the appeasers fail to perceive Hitler's intentions? In addition to a re-examination of these questions and an effort to dispel the enduring myths surrounding the history of this era, Keith Eubank has enhanced this new edition by including an analysis of the motivations and actions of central figures such as Neville Chamberlain and Joseph Stalin as well as a re-assessment of Soviet policies in the light of recent research that reveals their leaders as far less altruistic than some have imagined. With an expanded conclusion, a new photo section, and an updated bibliographic essay, this book remains an excellent brief overview of the period between 1918 and 1939.
June 2, 2021
The Origins of World War II filled many gaps in my knowledge about the critical time period leading up to WW II.
Mr. Eubank succeeded in crafting what might be described as an in-depth exposé of Hitler's machinations in realizing his ambitions, the ineffective western power response, and the duplicitous acts of the USSR. Learning about the complex political moves, undisclosed offers and counter-offers, and manipulation of the flow of information, made for a fascinating read.
I would have liked to have a bit more exploration of the players who performed their roles in these historic events. And the use of some "show, not tell" would have gone a long way in pulling the reader into the drama of these events.
Nonetheless, I recommend this book to those readers wanting more background on this time period than can be found in most other World War II histories.
Mr. Eubank succeeded in crafting what might be described as an in-depth exposé of Hitler's machinations in realizing his ambitions, the ineffective western power response, and the duplicitous acts of the USSR. Learning about the complex political moves, undisclosed offers and counter-offers, and manipulation of the flow of information, made for a fascinating read.
I would have liked to have a bit more exploration of the players who performed their roles in these historic events. And the use of some "show, not tell" would have gone a long way in pulling the reader into the drama of these events.
Nonetheless, I recommend this book to those readers wanting more background on this time period than can be found in most other World War II histories.
September 17, 2020
Audiobook - 3 stars for the content, 2 stars for the narration.
1 step deeper than a general summary of the political machinations leading up to World War II. Dry narration rife with errors and mispronunciations- Ww1 was apparently started when an Australian diplomat was assassinated, and Italian is pronounced “eye-talian.”
I hate giving low reviews but this is a short work narrated by a professional. This audiobook listener expects better.
1 step deeper than a general summary of the political machinations leading up to World War II. Dry narration rife with errors and mispronunciations- Ww1 was apparently started when an Australian diplomat was assassinated, and Italian is pronounced “eye-talian.”
I hate giving low reviews but this is a short work narrated by a professional. This audiobook listener expects better.
February 5, 2020
Reads like a text book. Narrator on audio version is monotone.
February 22, 2020
Pretty dull. Not the best narrator.
May 3, 2012
I had to read this for a history class and I found it bery accessible. There is not much that is surprising or tha I have not hear before. Thatbeing said, it is a good, brief primer for anyone interested in the subject matter. Eubank writes in a clear and easy to understand voice.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews