The War in the West – A New History

Author James Holland
Narrator Leighton Pugh
Publisher Transworld
Publish Date 10 September 2015
Run Time 26 hours and 42 minutes
Format Audio
Genre European history, Modern warfare, Second World War.

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What to expect

Are you ready for the truth about World War Two?

In the first of an extraordinary three-volume account of the war on land, in the air and at sea, James Holland reveals not only the truth behind the familiar legends of the Second World War but he also unveils those lesser known events which were to have the greatest significance.

The first book to consider the economic, political and social as well as the military aspects of World War Two, this is a unique retelling of a monumental event in all its terrible and majestic glory.

Holland has spent over twelve years unearthing new research, visiting archives, battlefields and the very people who fought and lived through the conflict. He has, in his own accessible and inimitable style, written an account to redefine our understanding of the war. It is unlike anything else on the subject.

Critics Review

A marvellously readable book

BBC History Magazine – Books of the Year 2015

Impeccably researched and superbly written . . . Holland’s fascinating saga offers a mixture of captivating new research and well-considered revisionism. The next two volumes should be unmissable.

Observer

Holland’s history is a work of revisionism with a vengeance. Through his emphasis on logistical support and technology, he continually demolishes cherished myths about the war . . . This is a magnificent, authoritative contribution to the study of the Second World War.

Literary Review

This brilliant, lucid and intimate history is a game-changer, the Second World War will never seem the same again. If you think you know the real history of the Second World War this book will astonish you: it renders other popular histories redundant

King's College, London

The most refreshing and engaging book about the Second World War that I have read in a long time. The absorbing narrative is laced with a passion and enthusiasm and stands head and shoulders above the current crop of titles in the genre

Soldier Magazine

James Holland is the best of the new generation of WW2 historians. His epic new venture convincingly challenges many received ideas about the war and draws some exciting new conclusions

Sebastian Faulks

James Holland’s War in the West takes a fresh look at the familiar and finds much food for thought – turning several conventions on their heads in a compelling and revelatory way

Al Murray

This book stands apart and for all the right reasons: Holland has something new to say. Every page is alive with a level of excitement and enthusiasm. Here is a perspective that turns on its head what I thought I understood about those astonishing years – filled with insight and detail

Neil Oliver

With this magnificent, hugely readable debut, James Holland’s War in the West is set fair to become one of the truly great multi-volume histories of the Second World War

Andrew Roberts

James Holland has produced a gripping multi-layered study of the War in West. It weaves together accounts from all levels of those caught up in the opening stages of the war and provides an accessible and captivating narrative. More importantly still it offers a challenging reappraisal that forces us to rethink our attitudes to the conduct of the most destructive and important war in history. Essential reading

Professor John Buckley, Professor of War Studies, Wolverhampton University & author of Monty's Men

User Reviews

Book 4.5

Narration 4.5

4.0

David Turner 20/12/2024

5.0

Having read many books on WW2, both overviews of the whole conflict and books on specific elements I found this history very informative and engaging. Revealing new insights on specific issues and key themes. The reader is excellent. I enjoyed Al Muray reading a couple of books by the same author and was a little concerned he had a a lot to live up to. I was very pleased with the approach taken.

Tatan 22/01/2024

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