World War II: the events and their impact on real people

The study of World War II forms a large part of the history curriculum for most schoolchildren. There is no shortage of resource material, but this volume stands out for its breadth of coverage, its clear presentation and wealth of illustration. While following the chronological course of events, from the countdown to war in Europe and the defeat of Poland, to the liberation of France and the surrender of Japan, the book also focuses on the experience of war for ordinary people, from the terror of nightly bombing raids and life in an occupied country, to popular wartime movies and songs. Much of this is brought to life by the accompanying DVD which includes dramatic footage from the archives of the Imperial War Museum. The final chapter looks at the aftermath of war, the struggle to rebuild and recover, and the importance of remembering what had taken place. The closing image shows the American cemetery in Luxembourg where some 5,000 US soldiers are buried, overprinted with General Patton’s words: ‘It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.’