Acclaimed historian, Alan Axelrod recounts the key events of World War II with unflagging humanity, drama, and straightforward explanations of their significance. Authoritative, non-academic and appealingly designed with illustrations, maps and more, this takes a unique approach which favours gripping storytelling over a strictly dry and plodding chronological account. Axelrod effortlessly puts facts above political interpretation in order to uncover the conflict's roots and ramifications. He concisely explores the war's ideological, nationalistic and economic causes; probes the motivation of those involved, including Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Churchill, Roosevelt and Truman; and looks at its enduring political, global, social, and technological legacy.In addition, this enlightening volume provides a concise narrative of the entire course of the struggle, which unfolded simultaneously in many places. The fresh insights and forthright analyses, the sidebars on such subjects as trivia and alternative histories, the eyewitness testimony and quotes, and the revealing, edgy attitude make this an absolute pleasure to read.