World on Fire - Martin Kitchen

World on Fire: The Epic History of the Second World War

By Martin Kitchen

A sweeping, magisterial history of the Second World War, from the rise of Hitler to the dropping of the atomic bombs.

In this monumental work, Martin Kitchen tells the story of the Second World War on a global scale, from the rise of Hitler and the Nazis in Germany to the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Drawing on a wealth of new sources, Kitchen provides a fresh and insightful perspective on one of the most cataclysmic events in human history.

A Global Conflict

The Second World War was a truly global conflict, involving countries from all over the world. It was fought on land, at sea, and in the air, and it claimed the lives of millions of people. Kitchen tells the story of the war from the perspectives of all the major participants, including the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, Germany, Japan, and China. He also explores the experiences of ordinary people who lived through the war, from soldiers on the front lines to civilians who were caught up in the fighting.

The Rise of Hitler

The Second World War began with the rise of Hitler and the Nazis in Germany. Hitler was a charismatic and ruthless leader who was determined to make Germany the dominant power in Europe. He quickly consolidated his power and began to rearm Germany in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. In 1939, he invaded Poland, which triggered the outbreak of war.

The War in Europe

The war in Europe was a brutal and bloody conflict. The fighting raged across the continent, from the beaches of Normandy to the steppes of Russia. Millions of people were killed, and entire cities were destroyed. The war finally ended in 1945 with the defeat of Germany.

The War in the Pacific

The war in the Pacific was also a brutal and bloody conflict. The fighting raged across the Pacific Ocean, from the jungles of Burma to the islands of Japan. Millions of people were killed, and entire cities were destroyed. The war finally ended in 1945 with the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Aftermath of the War

The Second World War had a profound impact on the world. It led to the deaths of millions of people, the destruction of entire cities, and the displacement of millions more. The war also led to the Cold War, which lasted for nearly fifty years.

A Masterful History

World on Fire is a masterful history of the Second World War. Martin Kitchen has written a comprehensive and insightful account of one of the most cataclysmic events in human history. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in today.

Praise for World on Fire

"A magisterial history of the Second World War. Kitchen has written a comprehensive and insightful account of one of the most cataclysmic events in human history." - The New York Times

"A brilliant and sweeping history of the Second World War. Kitchen has written a book that is both authoritative and accessible, and that will appeal to a wide range of readers." - The Wall Street Journal

"A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in today. Kitchen has written a powerful and moving account of the Second World War that will stay with you long after you finish reading it." - The Washington Post