The Ordeal of Total War: 1939-1945

Rating:
Summary: Not read yest...
Review: I am a WW2 buff. Reasons? Plenty. But perhaps the strongest one one. I was there. I am currently reading 'A War to be Won' written by two outstanding scholars in the field and their two highest recommendations are 'The ordeal of total war' by Gordon Wright and 'A world at war: A global history of World War II' by Gerhard Weinberg. I was so interested in 'A War to be Won' that I can't wait to get my hands on the next two ones mentioned above...

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Introduction to the European Theater of World War
Review: If you're looking for an introduction to World War II concerning the European theater you would do well to pick up _The Ordeal of Total War_. Gordon Wright goes beyond the stadard military/political description of war as is so often the case and delves into the social, economic, and psychological impact of modern or "total war". In regards to economics the UK, USA, USSR and German economic policies are examined, evaluated and compared for their effectiveness in dealing with the demands for total war. Something very necessary in understanding what total war is all about.

Although the campaigns and individual battles of the war aren't greatly detailed they are covered sufficiently to provide a good introduction. Particularily useful are the chapters dealing with German rule in occupied Europe (and German resettlement polcies), the scientifid dimensions of warfare and the resistance movements (and competing resistance movements).

Gordon Wright doesn't end his book with the German surrender in 1945. He continues to explain the post-war situation, how World War II shaped the post 1945 Europe, and how the "Big Three" begins to unravel how the seeds of the Cold War are planted. I think Gordon's contention that the war time alliance of the Allies had no validity after the destruction of the Third Reich is right on target.

Final Word: Broad in scope yet compact; good reading even for the more familiar student of World War II.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Introduction to the European Theater of World War
Review: If you're looking for an introduction to World War II concerning the European theater you would do well to pick up _The Ordeal of Total War_. Gordon Wright goes beyond the stadard military/political description of war as is so often the case and delves into the social, economic, and psychological impact of modern or "total war". In regards to economics the UK, USA, USSR and German economic policies are examined, evaluated and compared for their effectiveness in dealing with the demands for total war. Something very necessary in understanding what total war is all about.

Although the campaigns and individual battles of the war aren't greatly detailed they are covered sufficiently to provide a good introduction. Particularily useful are the chapters dealing with German rule in occupied Europe (and German resettlement polcies), the scientifid dimensions of warfare and the resistance movements (and competing resistance movements).

Gordon Wright doesn't end his book with the German surrender in 1945. He continues to explain the post-war situation, how World War II shaped the post 1945 Europe, and how the "Big Three" begins to unravel how the seeds of the Cold War are planted. I think Gordon's contention that the war time alliance of the Allies had no validity after the destruction of the Third Reich is right on target.

Final Word: Broad in scope yet compact; good reading even for the more familiar student of World War II.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book on the Entire European-Theater of WWII
Review: This book gives an outstanding overview of all aspects of the war in Europe. Those elements combined into modern "total war" of unprecedented destruction and suffering, and tens of millions of deaths.

For a single-volume book on the European-theater, it's hard to beat. Required reading for students of World War II.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book on the Entire European-Theater of WWII
Review: This book gives an outstanding overview of all aspects of the war in Europe. Those elements combined into modern "total war" of unprecedented destruction and suffering, and tens of millions of deaths.

For a single-volume book on the European-theater, it's hard to beat. Required reading for students of World War II.