Factually gripping

Fantastic work as always James. Your ability to weave human drama into the cold facts of war is second to none

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Great detailed history

I felt that the book went in a different direction from other older histories i have partaken in. The use of eye witnesses was very well done and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Can't wait to read part 2.

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Finally a complete account

Now that a lot of documents have been declassified to know the context and detail of many of the actions and happenings was really thrilling. It is a bit long but we'll worth it. After all is the history of the war.

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Great new book - breaks myths

This is a great new book on a well known subject. He challenges and destroys the old myths and propaganda. Well researched and honest account of the early WW2 period. Looking forward to the next one.

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1 person found this helpful

Stunning recasting of WWII on the Western Front

This stunning series is worth every penny, vol 1 taking us up to 1941, vol 2 overlapping slightly from 1941-43 and vol 3 again overlapping from 1943-45.

I consider myself reasonably well-informed on WWII, but Holland's approach - looking at things primarily from the point of view of operations and logistics - is enthralling and refreshing in equal measure. Leighton Pugh is an excellent choice of narrator, though ultimately it is the quality of the content which carries the work.

With proper explanation, Holland sets out his stall from the outset, eschewing the 'Grand Strategy' approach of some historians, and the 'Bloke in the Trenches' approach of others, to tell us how the two fit together - how the sailor, airman or soldier was supplied (or not), how grand strategy fell apart through poor planning, procurement or supply.

From the rebuilding of the British Army, to the truth behind the Battle for the Atlantic, Holland weaves character, narrative and fact together with an expert hand. Along the way he busts quite a few myths, which will doubtless annoy those clinging to their view of the 'best' tank, or the idea that the famed German 88mm gun really was unparalleled.

It is quite easy to see where Holland's true affections/interests lie (RAF, the Desert Campaign, Malta to name three) and occasionally this leads him to skip over details (eg the names of ships sunk in particular naval battles, or indeed some smaller actions) which can make this a bit of an uneven ride if you're expecting a thorough digest.

Overall, if you like to learn about lots of things you already knew, BUY. And if you still think the 88mm is the best gun EVER and won't hear why it might not be, then maybe this isn't the one for you ;)

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Excellent listen

James Holland really provides a unique perspective and I find his writing to be right up my alley. The narrator is one of the better ones too, I wish he'd used him for all his other works. This and volume 2 are both superb.

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Exceptional retelling of events!

Brilliant material, brilliant delivery.

The fact that I'm now going to get the second installment of the 25+ hour book immediately says everything. Amazing work.

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All new history

Lots of little nuggets of information that I had never heard before. Please just give up on the weird foreign accents. It just spoils it

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great

well read and a few things I didn't know. great for students covering ww2. covers a lot of theatres as well and gives a good balanced view.

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superb

A superior account of such a complex story and array of protagonists big and small

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