This is a good general history of the opening years of the Second World War in the West, but contains little new thought or ideas I have not read before. Although it is well researched, there are simple errors of fact – such as claiming that HMS Hood and the Prince of Wales were outgunned by the Bismarck and Prinz Eugen at the Battle of the Denmark Strait (8 x 15” and 10 x 14” vs 8 x 15” and 8 x 8” guns). The book, although easy to read, is written in a modern, tabloid newspaper, style of language, which I personally dislike; in fact, many sentences start with, “in fact”. The book also, of necessity, weaves back and forward through the narrative, and in doing so repeats itself at points. The book could have done with a more through edit before publication to remove some of the mistakes. Overall, James Holland is a lively and likable historian and I will certainly buy the next two books in the series, although this first one was not as good as I expected.Read full review
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Good coverage of the build up to and early years of the war. Well written and well paced.
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A fresh approach to a difficult subject.
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Compelling and detailed account. Focus on logistics is fascinating.
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