World War II (America at War)

Isserman, Maurice

ISBN 10: 0816081859 ISBN 13: 9780816081851

Publisher: Chelsea House Pub, 2010

Synopsis

The world had not fully recovered from the horror of World War I or the anguish of its catastrophic aftermath, the Great Depression, before an even greater war commenced. The Third Reich of Adolf Hitler threatened to dominate all of Europe and, as the physicist Albert Einstein rushed to bring to the attention of President Franklin Roosevelt, the limitless destructive power of the atom was well within the reach of Nazi Germany. World War II, Revised Edition presents the complete story of America's war in Europe and in the Pacific, from Pearl Harbor to the Normandy invasion to the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri. Vivid photographs, illustrations, and maps, along with helpful research features, make this book an invaluable addition to any classroom or library. Also included in this new edition is a chapter devoted to the military innovations seen during this massive war.

About this title

About the Author

Maurice Isserman is the coauthor of Fallen Giants, a prize-winning history of Himalayan mountaineering. He is a professor of history at Hamilton College and lives in Clinton, New York.

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-12-- Lively, clear, and thorough, these two volumes effectively capture the American experience in the two World Wars. The text of World War I in particular is nicely balanced. Bosco concisely discusses all aspects of the war, from military logistics and political maneuvering to the horrors of the battlefield. Liberal use of personal narratives and quotes along with battle descriptions and statistics gives readers a vivid sense of life in wartime. By focusing on a few key clashes, like Belleau Wood and the Argonne, the author further enlivens the text. World War II also provides a broad, well-organized overview. Chapters on specific aspects, such as the effect of the war on women and minorities, are smoothly interspersed into the narrative. Less attention is paid to the personal experiences of individuals, though, so this title is not quite as fascinating as World War I . The opening chapter, which describes Szilard and Einstein convincing Roosevelt that an atomic bomb could be made, is more confusing than exciting, and does little to capture readers' interest. Each title includes a few maps and many black-and-white photos that support the text. World War II 's index is thorough, but the one in World War I is less complete. Miguel's Second World War (1987; o.p.) and World War I (1985; o.p., both Silver Burdett), along with Messenger's Second World War (Watts, 1987; o.p.) are adequate resources with color illustrations, but do not match the thorough, readable texts of these newer titles. --Steven Engelfried, Pleasanton Library, CA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Chelsea House Pub
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0816081859
• ISBN 13: 9780816081851
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 256
• Editor: Bowman John S.