Full Text Review(s)

* "World War II began in the early morning hours of Sept. 1, 1939, as the first units of the German Wehrmacht crossed the Polish border. The war lasted almost six years, and was "the most destructive period of blood-letting in human history," say the authors of this exceptionally well-researched and documented set. The depth and amount of material covered is remarkable. By the time the "war to end all wars" was over, much of the civilized world lay in ruins, and an estimated 56 million people had been killed, huge empires had been destroyed, and previously unseen weapons such as the atomic bomb were brought into play. Each volume has hundreds of archival photographs and color charts, maps, and diagrams to enhance understanding of the facts being presented. Focus points are used throughout to bring greater perspective to key individuals and groups who contributed to the American war effort such as women and immigrants, political events, war strategies, technological advances and primary eyewitness accounts. Volume I and II include their own indexes and Volume III includes a bibliography, further research resources, a timeline of World War II, and a comprehensive index of personalities, place, battles, and campaigns. This should be made available to all world history classes and libraries from high school through college. Highly Recommended." *STARRED REVIEW*

"Volume 1 of this set on World War II explores the origins and outbreak of the war, beginning with the legacies of World War I and taking the reader through 1941. The years 1942-1945, which cover the military campaigns in Africa, Asia, and Europe, are the focus of volume 2. Volume 3 discusses victory and the aftermath of war. Chapters in each volume are chronologically arranged. Sidebars throughout each chapter present "Focus Points" with information on key people, technology, political background, events, battles, and tactics as well as extracts from eyewitness accounts.
Although not exhaustive in detail (each chapter covers approximately 20 pages), topics are more than adequately summarized and present a good overview of the war’s impact throughout the world. Key people highlighted are from both sides of the conflict (e.g., Dwight Eisenhower, Adolf Hitler, Douglas MacArthur, Erwin Rommel). "Technology Focus Points" discuss such things as radar defense radio aids to navigation, the M4 Sherman tank, and atomic-bomb technology. Each volume contains a generous amount of primary photographs, which gives the contemporary reader a visual look at war, in addition to more than 90 full-color maps illustrating major battles and campaigns. Attention is given to the home front in different countries and to the economic and social impact of the war on the people.
Volume 3 also contains a bibliography; suggested works for further research; separate indexes of personalities, places, battles, and campaigns; and a comprehensive index. In addition, this volume contains several excellent sections giving information on the armies, naval vessels, and aircraft of both the principal Allied nations and the principal Axis nations. A time line of WWII is another useful tool.
Entries are easy to read and to comprehend, and all three volumes have an attractive appearance. This is an excellent source of WWII information for high-school and public libraries."