The Second World War

by John Keegan, Antony Beevor
The Second World War cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History
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  • ID: 7238
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780316084079
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2012-06-05
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Antony Beevor, celebrated for his award-winning works on WWII, presents a monumental single-volume history of the Second World War. This comprehensive chronicle spans from the invasion of Poland to V-J Day, providing an intimate and dramatic account of the war's global reach and its profound impact on every major power. Beevor's masterful narrative is not only a testament to his extensive research but also a gripping exploration of one of history's most complex and tragic periods. Written with Beevor's signature thrilling style, this book is destined to become the definitive work on WWII. It delves into the strategic decisions, personal stories, and devastating consequences of the war, offering readers a profound understanding of the events that still resonate today. Beevor's ability to weave together military history with human drama makes this an essential read for anyone interested in the Second World War.

Reviews
Bookmarked Club · 2025-12-13
compelling 4.50

The book is praised for its superb storytelling and deep understanding of the conflict. It effectively conveys the immense scale of the war and its human tragedies.

The reviewer highlights Keegan's superb storytelling and deep understanding of the conflict. They appreciate how the book conveys the immense scale of the war and its countless human tragedies. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling and insightful read that captures the essence of the war. The detailed narrative and the human perspective make it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    With superb storytelling and a deep understanding of the conflict, Keegan masterfully conveys the immense scale of the war, its countless human tragedies, and ...

    The book is praised for its superb storytelling and deep understanding of the conflict.

    The detailed narrative and the human perspective make it a standout work.

The New York Times · Michiko Kakutani · 2012-09-07
great 4.50

The book is a grueling but gripping account filled with harrowing stories of suffering and brutality. It stands out for its vivid and detailed narrative.

The reviewer describes the book as a grueling yet gripping account of the Second World War, filled with vivid stories of drowning, sickness, starvation, and other horrors. They highlight the book's ability to bring the war's brutality to life in a way that is both compelling and harrowing. The reviewer praises Beevor's narrative style, which makes the book stand out among other histories of the war. They also note that the book's detailed accounts of various battles and events provide a comprehensive understanding of the conflict.

Quick quotes

    The book is a grueling but gripping account.

    It is filled with stories of drowning, sickness, starvation, massacre, mass rape, looting, and other horrors.

    Beevor's narrative style makes the book stand out among other histories of the war.

The Guardian · Richard J. Evans · 2012-06-17
mixed 3.50

The book is well-produced but has noticeable oddities and imbalances, suggesting Beevor may not have had sufficient editorial oversight. It offers a comprehensive overview of the war, though some aspects feel uneven.

The reviewer notes that while the book is handsomely produced and generously priced, it contains oddities and imbalances that suggest Antony Beevor may not have had the editorial support he needed. Despite these issues, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the Second World War. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research but feels that some sections could have been better balanced. Overall, it's a valuable addition to the literature on the subject, though not without its flaws.

Quick quotes

    The Second World War is handsomely produced and generously priced but its oddities and imbalances suggest that Beevor has not had the editorial support he needed.

    It offers a comprehensive overview of the war, though some aspects feel uneven.

    The book is a valuable addition to the literature on the subject.

The Independent · John Kampfner · 2012-06-02
excellent 4.50

This is a splendid book, erudite and clear, providing a remarkable summary of the war. It is a masterful account that stands out for its clarity and depth.

The reviewer describes the book as a splendid and erudite work, praising its clarity of thought and expression. They highlight the book's ability to provide a remarkably intimate account of the war, making it a masterful addition to the literature on the subject. The reviewer also notes that the book's clarity and depth make it accessible to both scholars and general readers. They conclude that it is a must-read for anyone interested in the Second World War.

Quick quotes

    This is a splendid book, erudite, with an admirable clarity of thought and expression.

    For a summary of the Second World War – who did what to whom, when and where – it is hard to imagine a better book.

    It is a masterful account that stands out for its clarity and depth.

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