Why The Allies Won

Nov 23, 2024 4:41 PM

Author:Richard Overy

Why The Allies Won

'Outstanding...Overy has written a masterpiece of analytical history, posing and answering one of the great questions of the century' Niall Ferguson, Sunday Times

The Allied victory in 1945 – though comprehensive – was far from inevitable. By 1942 almost the entire resources of continental Europe were in German hands and Japan had wiped out the western colonial presence in Asia. Democracy appeared to have had its day.

In this remarkable study, Richard Overy provides a reinterpretation of the war through an account of the decisive military campaigns that created the astonishing revival in Allied fortunes. He also explores the deeper factors that determined success and failure: industrial stength, fighting ability, the skills of leaders and the moral contrasts between the two sides.

Today the modern world is once more in the throes of painful transformation. It is essential to establish why and how the last great war was won. Richard Overy casts a brilliant light on the most important turning-point of the modern age.

‘A compelling analysis...skilful and chilling’ The Economist

Reviews

A compelling analysis... skilful and chilling

—— Ross Davies , Economist

A much needed book... He deserves the attention of a wide audience

—— Donald Cameron , Independent

Richard Overy is writing at the height of his powers... The result is often startling, never less than fascinating

—— Adam Sisman , Observer

A thought provoking reappraisal of the war - deeply researched, complex and yet beautifully lucid

—— Correlli Barnett , Times Literary Supplement

A first-rate presentation of the life of a first-rate scientific mind…it is hard to imagine a more thoughtful and warm biography than this one

—— Douglas Hofstadter , New York Times Book Review

Andrew Hodge’s book is of exemplary scholarship and sympathy. Intimate, perceptive and insightful, it’s also the most readable biography I’ve picked up in some time

—— Time Out

Save your money for the forthcoming new edition of Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges, regarded by many as one of the greatest biographies of anyone, let along Turing

—— Robert Matthews , BBC Focus Magazine

This book stands the test of time. It is a labour of love…compelling

—— Energy and Technology

Authoritative biography

—— BBC online

Hodges's biography is sensitive, sympathetic and uncompromisingly intellectual. The maths is extremely hard work – but helps the lay reader to appreciate the scale of Turing's achievements

—— Brandon Robsaw , Independent on Sunday

A rich and fascinating portrait of a genius whose life was tragically ended before its time

—— Gay Times

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