American Heritage Picture History of World War II (R)

by Cyrus Leo Sulzberger II and C. L. Sulzberger

Book Overview

From Hitler's rise to power to the Japanese surrender on the deck of the Missouri in 1945, World War II is brought into sharp focus in this dramatic book. Over a third of World War II consists of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517105233
• Release Date: April 1994
• Publisher: Wings
• Length: 640 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.0" x 1.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

World War II: Nobody gives a damn!

From Hitler's rise to power to the Japanese surrender on the deck of the Missouri in 1945, World War II is brought into sharp focus in this overly dramatic and celebratory book. The introduction calls attention to cost of war and its implications for the future. Sulzberger writes, "There was never much doubt about what we were fighting for or whether victory was worth the price." Over a good 30% of World War II derives of eyewitness accounts, as Sulzberger emphasizes the people involved in this historic event--the leaders, the victims, and the fighters. Coverage of the war in Asia is balanced but treatment of Bataan and the Death March is predictably limited. Sulzberger juxtaposes the two utterances vis-à-vis Bataan that resonates to today. On the one hand, he outlines MacArthur's famous, "The President of the United States ordered me to break through the Japanese lines and proceed from Corregidor to Australia for the purpose, as I understand, of organizing the American offensive against Japan, a primary purpose of which is the relief of the Philippines. I came and I shall return." Not to be outdone is the resilient outcry by the troops in Bataan, "We're the battling bastards of Bataan; No mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam; No aunts, no uncles, no nephews, no nieces; No pills, no planes, no artillery pieces... and nobody gives a damn! Juxtaposing the quotes brings to presence the engagement of Bataan as the site MacArthur's personal and professional contradiction: the site of his tenacity as well as the site of his greatest defeat.

Great Historical Reference Book for WWII

This book is the benchmark for reference books on WWII. Edited by David McCullough, this comprehensive book begins with pictures from before, during and after the war. Barbed wire still on Normandy beach decades after the war, a rusted tank in the water off an island somewhere in the South Pacific, and Japanese children playing near the bombed out ground zero of Hiroshima. There are over 600 pages of pictures, maps and enjoyable insight of the war. Mixed in are letters from important figures as well as ordinary men and women from all sides of the conflict balanced by the incredible talents of important historians such as McCullough. Although first published in 1966 and out of print for ages, this well-written book stands the test of time. It belongs in every library, public and private, as an important resource for learning about World War II.

A perfect overview of the entire scope of World War II

This book is more like a manual to keep handy when reading about, or watching any film concerning World War II. It serves as refresher for those more familiar with details and the intricacies of the war. I find it is a very fast read and conveys with skillful simplicity the overall picture, timeframe, and key events of the war. For instance, I found this book lying around undisturbed for the past five or so years, since I graduated with a degree in History. It was the perfect book to swallow just before going to see the latest Hollywood take on th war in "Saving Private Ryan". Although, I will agree, if details on any particular subject of the war is what you are seeking you are bound to be disappointed. I would reccommend this book as a satisfying appeteizer before digesting any monumental interest in World War II. A perfect refresher!

WWII in pictures

pictures tell the story best and this book has many. Blitzkrieg to Hiroshima. Never let these times be forgotten.

INCEDIBLE!

Unbelievable quality