Second World War Experience

Series · 3 books · 2008-2009

By Richard Overy

Books in series

The Second World War Experience, Volume 1

2008

The world burst into war in a blast of bombs and tanks when the Nazis marched into Poland. Blitzkrieg moves from the aftermath of World War I into the dramatic events of 1938–41. Rare items of memorabilia—including Hitler’s order to invade Poland and Montgomery’s diary charting the evacuation from Dunkirk—bring the era and events to life as never before. The CD features Chamberlain’s announcement of war; Churchill’s “finest hour” speech; and Hitler’s first speech from the newly German Danzig.

The Second World War Experience, Volume 2

2008

The second volume in this gripping World War II series takes us to 1941—when the Axis seemed poised to conquer the world. It begins with the German drive eastward, and the invasion of Russia, then moves to Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, and America’s entry into the war. The action continues in Africa and the bloody battles in the Far East. Facsimile memorabilia includes President Roosevelt’s handwritten notes for his “Date which will live in infamy” speech; Stalin’s memos on his “scorched earth” policy; and letters home from a British officer in Africa.

The Second World War Experince, Volume 3

Turning of the Tide 1942-44

2009

After years of losses, the tide finally turns—beginning in Russia with the epic battle for Stalingrad and the German retreat. Then, in Africa, the Allied armies defeat Rommel’s Afrika Korps. On mainland Europe, the Allies finally gain significant ground with the invasion of Italy and that county’s eventual surrender. Rare facsimile documents include General Montgomery’s orders for the Battle of El Alamein and Stalin’s notes for his speech following the Red Army’s victory at Stalingrad.

Author

Richard Overy

Author · 38 books

Richard James Overy is a British historian who has published extensively on the history of World War II and the Third Reich. Educated at Caius College, Cambridge and awarded a research fellowship at Churchill College, Professor Overy taught history at Cambridge from 1972 to 1979, as a fellow of Queens' College and from 1976 as a university assistant lecturer. In 1980 he moved to King's College London, where he became professor of modern history in 1994. He was appointed to a professorship at the University of Exeter in 2004. His work on World War II has been praised as "highly effective in the ruthless dispelling of myths" (A. J. P. Taylor), "original and important" (New York Review of Books) and "at the cutting edge" (Times Literary Supplement.)[