World War II: A Compact History

By R. Ernest Dupuy

A veteran of World War II himself, experienced historian Colonel Dupuy is expertly placed to write this revealing and fascinating account of the war.

Compressing the enormity of the Second World War into a compact narrative sweeping the world, Dupuy explores life in England under the Blitz to General Joseph Stilwell’s 400-mile trek through Burma, as well as Stalingrad and Guadalcanal and the war in the Pacific.

Uncovering new and shocking information, he presents the most detailed examination to date of Operation Bodyguard – the plan designed to delude the Germans about the Allied invasion of the Continent – and explores the devastating impact of the Battle of the Bulge on American morale. Exploring how Churchill and Truman allowed Stalin to decide when the Italian and German surrenders would be revealed, he also delves into lesser-known and bravely fought campaigns that altered the outcome of the War – and the world as we know it.