The Real History of World War II: A New Look at the Past

by Alan Axelrod

In a refreshingly fearless, colloquial voice, acclaimed historian Alan Axelrod recounts the key events of World War II with unflagging humanity, drama, and straightforward explanations of their significance, weaving a story as engrossing and multifaceted as a great novel. As with the series’ first entry, The Real History of World War II remains authoritative, non-academic, and appealingly designed with illustrations, maps, and more. It’s a unique approach that makes this enormous saga understandable to every reader, and favors gripping storytelling over a strictly dry and plodding chronological account. Axelrod brings you right into every theater of the war, one by one, capturing all its most compelling events before moving on to the next. If, today, we see World War II as a titanic clash of good and evil, Axelrod effortlessly looks beyond this schism, putting facts above political interpretation in order to uncover the conflict’s roots and ramifications. He concisely explores the war’s ideological, nationalistic, and economic causes; probes the motivation of those involved, including Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Churchill, FDR, and Truman; and looks at its enduring political, global, social, and technological legacy. You’ll be able to understand the tragic legacy of Versailles, the full repercussions of the blitzkrieg, exactly what happened in the Holocaust, and why, in Japan, the war was less associated with one individual than with an ongoing militaristic and imperialist movement. In addition, this enlightening volume provides a concise narrative of the entire course of the struggle, which unfolded simultaneously in many places, thoroughly engulfing the world. The fresh insights and forthright analyses, the sidebars on such subjects as trivia and alternative histories, the eyewitness testimony and quotes, and the revealing, edgy attitude make this a pleasure to read like having an enjoyable conversation with a favorite teacher. History truly comes alive.

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

385 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2008

About the author

Alan Axelrod, Ph.D., is a prolific author of history, business and management books. As of October 2018, he had written more than 150 books, as noted in an online introduction by Lynn Ware Peek before an interview with Axelrod on the National Public Radio station KPCW. Axelrod resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews

[Becky Colosimo · Rating 2 out of 5]

My biggest complaint about this book is the complete lack of maps. How do you describe invasions, sieges, troop movements, and retreats happening all around the world without a single map?

[Christopher Da Cunha · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK overview of the war, but not much detail. A fine starting point for someone interested in approaching the subject for the first time.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about the basics of WWII.

[Dave Gregorio · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not easy to tell the story of World War Two in a relatively pithy book of about 350 pages or so. Alan Axelrod pulls it off. Well done.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this would be the most boring topic to read about. As it turned out Mr. Axelrod provides factual and historic information on how World War II evolved, the individuals who were instrumental in making it happen, and the numerous battles that occurred as a result of some devious and sometimes underhanded manipulation. Mr. Axelrod takes some of the glory away from some we would choose to believe were "heros" of that era and fills in the gaps on motives, means, and opportunities utilized by some of these great men. I was extremely enthralled in the story-telling and the resources Mr. Axelrod mentions as guideposts in writing this novel. A truly remarkable read.

[Ti-Leigh Telford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview for those who don't want to slog through Churchill's erudite volumes. A nice reference for my library and a great loaner for friends who want to learn more about the war that really ended all wars, figuratively speaking, of course.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much new material to add. No revelations, no specific details regarding the great campaigns. Could be retitled WWII for dummies.