Uses contemporary documentation, private writings, and historical research to assess the military, political, and historical significance of World War II.

Originally published in six separate volumes: 2002-3003. "Previously published as Essential histories 18: The Second World War (1) The Pacific, Essential histories 35: The Second World War (2) Europe, 1939-1943, Essential histories 30: The Second World War (3) The war at sea, Essential histories 48: The Second World War (4) The Mediterranean, 1940-1945, Essential histories 24: The Second World War (5) The Eastern Front, 1941-1945, Essential histories 32: The Second World War (6) Northwest Europe, 1944-1945"--T.p. verso.