First published in 1972 under the title "Total War", "The Penguin History of the Second World War" was designed by its authors to show a rising generation why the Second World War happened and how it was conducted. In this bold feat of compression they give as much stress and space to political, social and moral forces (not to mention intelligence and other activities 'behind the line') as to the ensuing clashes of arms. This acclaimed analysis of the causes and courses of the Second World War has stood the tests of time and criticism.

Author Biography

Peter Calvocoressi worked on Ultra Intelligence at Bletchley Park and was Reader in International Affairs at Sussex University. He is now Chairman of Open University Educational Enterprises. Guy Wint is the author of THE BRITISH IN ASIA (1947). He died in 1969 after years as a journalist working for papers including the 'Manchester Guardian'. R John Pritchard has written or contributed to more than thirty-five books and has taught war studies and history in British and American universities.