The Second World War: A Short History

A very good study of World War II focusing on the strategic level of the war as well as its social and economi aspects. The reader will not find too many details about military operations, albeit there are some interesting points which are presented with exceptional clarity. The size of the book precludes any lengthy reference to particular battles, thus many of them are mentioned in only a few sentences or not at all (like the German campaign in the Balkans (1941), the liberation of Ukraine (1944), the battle of Berlin (1945) and the destruction of the Japanese Kwantug Army (1945)). This deficiency is balanced though by the wealth of statistics regarding production figures, human losses and economic data. Parker has also made a fine job analyzing the US-British relations on the strategic level, the reasons behind the decisions taken and the role of the USSR in the Allied camp. He is also honest about the great contribution of the Soviets to the war effort and the horrible destruction they caused to the German Army. Overall, a good introduction to World War II and a handy reference to its basic military and political dimensions.

"Struggle For Survival" by R.A.C. Parker, Sub-titled, " The History Of the Second World War". Oxford University Press, 1990.This is a small book (only 328 pages) and is therefore easy to handle. But, even though small, Parker's book covers all the important subjects of the Second World War. The chapters are arranged more or less chronologically, ranging from Chamberlain's pre-war "appeasement" to a final assessment chapter entitled, "Casualties, Crisis and Change". Although the author is a Fellow of Modern History at Queen's College, Oxford, he states , up front, that he has "... tried to escape any British prejudices in considering the conduct of the allies". (Page v.) In my opinion, Parker has done a pretty good job of stating the facts and NOT taking British, American, French , German, etc. side in any argument. He has included a chapter on strategic bombing, and, interesting, it appears that he believes strategic bombing did NOT work in German occupied Europe, but that bombing did work against the Empire of Japan. Chapter 14 deals with the defeat of Japan and the use of the atomic bomb. Chapter 17 deals with the "Murder of European Jews" and the theme of unnecessary and unrequited killing is finished in Chapter 18, "Casualties, Crisis and Change". I used this book as quick but complete reference in a World War II course I was taking at Bridgewater State College, when I was working on my MA in History.

For serious students of the WWII era wishing to have a handy, concise, and yet quite comprehensive overview of the Second World War and its times by way of a one-volume effort, this is the book to start with. Unlike much more massive, detailed, and descriptive tomes such as Gerhard Weinberg's "A World At War", Sir Martin Gilbert's "The Second World War", or the new "A War To Be Won" by Murray and Millett, this book pares down the tremendous sweep and circumstances surrounding the war to a relatively brief (just over three hundred pages) and yet amazingly concise and comprehensive narrative. Indeed, Professors from Harvard to Stanford often assign this book for introductory courses on World War Two because it is both manageable and accurate. Parker's narrative is informed by his matchless grasp of the relevant documents and official records as well as a unique feel for the way in which the various aspects of the conflict interweave and interact to create and sustain a worldwide conflagration. In his stirring and entertaining treatment, one finds a treasure trove of details, and at the same time also gains a better understanding of the way in which the economic, diplomatic, and military factors combine during the drift toward war in the late 1930s. In this sense the book is written with great verve and obvious historical impact.Viewed in this way, the book can be considered a quite compact and yet still comprehensive overview of the war itself, how it began, its slow and horrific progress, and how it was both won by the Allies and lost by the Axis powers. Indeed, one comes away from the reading experience with a much improved and enhanced appreciation for the far-reaching impact the war had on humanity at large, since the war affected everyone, combatants, noncombatants, and onlookers alike. As Parker argues quite persuasively, the Second World War changed the course of the 20th century forever.The author faithfully traces how the key events of the war progress, showing how the strategies of each of the participants as well as their indigenous populations and economies affect the course of the conflict. In looking at major battles and campaigns, Parker provides a wealth of insight that is disproportionately detailed compared to the length of the book, and provides the reader with a wonderfully informative, insightful, and entertaining reading experience. He discusses specific aspects of the war such as mobile warfare, the Holocaust, forced migration, and the use of the atomic bomb in a way that helps the reader to understand the importance of each and gives specific reasons as to how and why they occurred. This is a book that is easy to recommend to anyone wanting a relatively concise and yet immensely rewarding reading experience. Enjoy!

This is an excellent overview of the Second World War using the most recent information available. Parker's book is well-written, lucid and concise. I am using it to teach a undergraduate level history course on the war.

If only a single one-volume history of World War II had to be chosen, it would be hard to beat this one. The entire global sweep of this greatest of all wars is covered comprehensively here, from its historical and economic roots to its world-changing consequences. The narrative is graceful and remarkably readable, with such essential matters as balance-of-forces and production figures woven in skillfully and painlessly, rendering unnecessary the footnotes which clutter other works of this scale. The author's analyses of issues of Allied leadership are models of fair-minded judgement and balanced perspective, and his evaluations of generalship virtually unassailable, to the probable discomfort of partisans of all stripes. Parker's work is exemplary history, and a rare pleasure to read as well. Highly recommended. (The numerical rating above is an ineradicable default setting within this page. This reviewer does not employ numerical ratings.)