The War in the West - A New History cover art

The War in the West - A New History

Volume 1: Germany Ascendant 1939-1941

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The War in the West - A New History

By: James Holland
Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
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About this listen

Are you ready for the truth about World War Two?

In the first of an extraordinary three-volume account of the war on land, in the air and at sea, James Holland reveals not only the truth behind the familiar legends of the Second World War but he also unveils those lesser known events which were to have the greatest significance.

The first book to consider the economic, political and social as well as the military aspects of World War Two, this is a unique retelling of a monumental event in all its terrible and majestic glory.

Holland has spent over twelve years unearthing new research, visiting archives, battlefields and the very people who fought and lived through the conflict. He has, in his own accessible and inimitable style, written an account to redefine our understanding of the war. It is unlike anything else on the subject.

 20th Century Europe Military Modern World Western Europe War Interwar Period Imperialism Thought-Provoking Middle Ages Winston Churchill Submarine Royalty Air Force Africa Imperial Japan

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Critic reviews

A marvellously readable book (Gary Sheffield)
Impeccably researched and superbly written . . . Holland’s fascinating saga offers a mixture of captivating new research and well-considered revisionism. The next two volumes should be unmissable. (Alexander Larman)
Holland’s history is a work of revisionism with a vengeance. Through his emphasis on logistical support and technology, he continually demolishes cherished myths about the war . . . This is a magnificent, authoritative contribution to the study of the Second World War. (Leo McKinstry)
This brilliant, lucid and intimate history is a game-changer, the Second World War will never seem the same again. If you think you know the real history of the Second World War this book will astonish you: it renders other popular histories redundant (Professor David Edgerton)
The most refreshing and engaging book about the Second World War that I have read in a long time. The absorbing narrative is laced with a passion and enthusiasm and stands head and shoulders above the current crop of titles in the genre
James Holland is the best of the new generation of WW2 historians. His epic new venture convincingly challenges many received ideas about the war and draws some exciting new conclusions (Sebastian Faulks)
James Holland’s War in the West takes a fresh look at the familiar and finds much food for thought – turning several conventions on their heads in a compelling and revelatory way (Al Murray)
This book stands apart and for all the right reasons: Holland has something new to say. Every page is alive with a level of excitement and enthusiasm. Here is a perspective that turns on its head what I thought I understood about those astonishing years - filled with insight and detail (Neil Oliver)
With this magnificent, hugely readable debut, James Holland’s War in the West is set fair to become one of the truly great multi-volume histories of the Second World War (Andrew Roberts)
James Holland has produced a gripping multi-layered study of the War in West. It weaves together accounts from all levels of those caught up in the opening stages of the war and provides an accessible and captivating narrative. More importantly still it offers a challenging reappraisal that forces us to rethink our attitudes to the conduct of the most destructive and important war in history. Essential reading (Professor John Buckley, Professor of War Studies, Wolverhampton University & author of Monty’s Men)
All stars
Most relevant
Enjoyed this review of World War 2 which cast a new light on what appeared as established truths. The lack of military awareness by the leaders of the Third Reich seems astonishingly naive and disastrous to the German people. Looking forward to the next installment.

Refreshingly new view of World War 2.

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This book tells the story of the war in the west with a stronger emphasis on the business of war. How did the the different countries manage to produce and deploy the weapon, tanks, aircrafts etc needed to wage war. And how did this affect the fighting on ground, at sea and in the air. Plenty af close up combat stories and behind the seen rivalery too. Highly recomended. And the performance is at par with the story, the reader gets the forgin names etc right and has an inspiering drive to his voice.

A new look on the war in the west

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I am old enough to remember the tail end of the war years, my father being home on leave just before the D-Day landings and the great sadness when the telegram arrived to say he had been killed in September 1944, after having survived much of what took place, as related in this volume by James Holland, and much more to follow. I did not, therefore, get the chance to hear what my father went through, but have always felt the need to know much more of it than I did before reading this volume .I found James Holland's historic account enlightening in a vividly gripping fashion, without the feeling that there was personal embellishment, since his research had been so meticulously done. This work has given me an understanding of the reasons behind WW2 incidents that I only knew of, previously, and I am most grateful to this wonderful historian.The reader was brilliant,
which made this history even more compelling.

History at its best.

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narration is done very well which makes the broad topic less challenging as does the way the book is written meaning the events unfold naturally and easily. The author uses "on the ground" diary extracts to give context to the bigger picture and as the book says the whole thing shows how the war history we know is a little off in places

Well narrated, excellent content

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Stunning listen; well constructed and well delivered. A compendium of chronological key events intertwined with personal reflections and in some cases new information. Looking forward to next volume already.

Well Appraised View of WWII - Early

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