Second World War in 100 Objects

See the history of World War II in an entirely new way: through 100 carefully chosen items, from the public to the deeply, poignantly personal.
Selected by two specialists in military history, this book offers a unique perspective on the Second World War by tracing its history through objects—from iconic items like the British Spitfire, the Purple Heart, and Hitler’s mountain retreat, to personal treasures that tell the moving stories of individuals, to official documents, medals, and badges. Organized chronologically, each one is accompanied by a brief description that highlights the article’s significance.

Major General Julian Thompson CB OBE served in the Royal Marines for 34 years and commanded the Royal Marine Commandos and the two battalions of the Parachute Regiment during the Falklands War. Since retiring he has been a visiting professor at King’s College, London. He has written a number of books including Carlton’s The 1916 Experience and The Victory in Europe Experience.

Dr Allan R Millett is a retired colonel in the Marine Reserve Corps and an expert in US military policy and conflicts of the twentieth century. Currently Director for the Eisenhower Center for American Studies at the University of New Orleans and Senior Military Advisor for the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, he has written numerous books, including Commandants of the Marine Corps (U.S. Naval Institute Press, 2004) and A War to Be Won: Fighting the Second World War, with Williamson Murray (Harvard University Press, 2000).