Eyewitness to World War II: Unforgettable Stories and Photographs From History's Greatest Conflict

by Neil Kagan, Stephen G. Hyslop

Eyewitness to World War II brings you closer than ever before to the greatest challenge a generation of Americans had ever faced. The unforgettable story of World War II is told through the words of those who lived it--both on the battlefield and the home front--creating a dramatic tapestry of the wartime experience. Personal writings and recollections of Roosevelt, Hitler, and Patton, as well as letters composed by soldiers at battle and diaries of women serving in the military at home, present an absorbing narrative that tells the entire history of the war from several perspectives. Hundreds of images capture fateful moments of triumph and defeat that defined the era, including rare photographs and artifacts, many never-before-seen from private collections that are placed in context with more famous photographs from the period. More than 20 authoritative National Geographic maps detail military movements and decisive battles in the European and Pacific theaters of war. These incredible, first-person stories, amazing moments of heroism, compelling imagery, and illuminating maps bring the entire history of World War II to life in vivid detail.

Genres: History, World War II, Nonfiction, War

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2012

Reviews

[Don Witzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great general insight of WWII. Not to in-depth as far as all the pieces/layers or breakdowns governmental or treaty, that led to the second World War. The pictures are amazing. One fault was the layout/editing of book.

[Jim Vuksic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil Kagan and Stephen G. Hyslop are well-known for their detailed knowledge of American history, particularly America's most costly and horrific campaigns undertaken during the 19th. and 20th. centuries.

"Eyewitness to World War II (Unforgettable Stories and Photographs From History's Greatest Conflict)" provides a well-written narrative and overview of the stories, personal sacrifices, and recollections of the military personnel and civilians who personally experienced the physical and psychological impact of the greatest and most costly war experienced to-date on our planet.

Both professional and amateur historians will enjoy and learn from the first-hand recollections and graphic photographs that make up this literary work.

[Chase Parsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful coffee table book about World War II! Authors Kagan and Hyslop heavily emphasize the American side and battles of the war, and they briefly covers other aspects (its causes, the Holocaust, etc.). The photography and visuals are the best part. For anyone who wants to know more about the US experience in World War II in an eye-pleasing way, this is a great book to have.

Finally, this book has sentimental value for me. I gave it to my grandfather, Bill Roberts, a World War II veteran, for Christmas. It was the last gift I gave him before he passed away. It was a pleasure to read this book and to think about what the experience must have been like for him, as well as for anyone else alive at that consequential time. We should never forget the vital lessons learned from this conflict.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good, and I could tell it took lots of time to put together. Although, it's definitely not for a person who doesn't enjoy reading that well. It's also not for the faint of heart. There were some pretty gruesome pictures in the book. It does also mention a lot about battle plans and such, which doesn't really interest me, so I didn't read those parts. Honestly, towards the end of the book, it got to be very monotone, so I just looked at the pictures and read their descriptions. I learned some new things about WWII in this book though!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been working on some genealogy projects lately, and was looking for some context. Was looking for a bit more detailed info on some specific battles/ battalions- but this is more general. Still had some really fascinating stories though.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been a history buff, and so was very glad to read this borrowed book. Stories, reports, and photos are included from both sides of the conflict, making this the most balanced account I’ve read. As with all WWII documentaries, this is a very difficult read, but I highly recommend it.

[Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is great!

[Alyssa Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best WWII overview books I've read! I loved how it touched on almost every single event that took place during WWII (including the lesser-known Burma and India battles).

My absolute favorite part were the excerpts from solider's/Marine's diaries/journals. I loved reading about their personal experiences, etc. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone: WWII lover or not!

[Tony Sciarini · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors present the story of World War II chronologically, and allow the reader to judge the motives of each side of the conflict, especially by presenting the war through the eyes of individual soldiers. It is this individual perspective that gives the book its greatest strength: a personal perspective that gives the war a sense of realism for the reader. This balances well the rest of the content, a general overview of the war's major events. If there were any fault, in my mind, it is only that there was too little time spent on the Holocaust, but given the scope of such a major world event, the time they do spend on the Holocaust is effective in giving the reader an understanding of the suffering of the Jews, especially. For these reasons, I recommend this book to anyone interested in a general overview of World War II, but also interested in the day-to-day struggles of individuals in the war and on the home front.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows a lot of detail of the most destructive conflict in World History. It explains some of the famous soldiers in the war and also lesser known facts. It is a very descriptive book; however, it is an easy read. It contained many pictures to help the reader achieve an understanding of just how gruesome this war was. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was very good. Quite remarkable photographs and maps. Any WWII reader would enjoy this book. Doesn't go into too much detail of events like the D-Day, Battle of the Bulge, but goes through the whole war.

[Thibaut · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great book about the whole history of WWII on all fronts, Africa, the Eropean front, the Soviot front and the island hopping campaign of the allied forces. It can sometimes get a bit confusing about what army regiment is from what country, but other than that, it is a great book.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great synopsis of WWII.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of stories, photos perfect for the history buff in your life.

[caleb young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic historical account about History's Greatest Conflict. I recommend to anyone who is interested in WW2, or wants to Learn all about the epic war.

[Robu-sensei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a lot new here for serious World War II buffs. For non-buffs, some iconic photos and interesting personal stories.

[Brandon]

It was an amazing book and it gave me alot of info about the second world war

[Baudshaw (Aadi Indradevi) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to rate nonfiction. But it’s presented immaculately, showing off a relatively familiar topic in extreme detail that makes it worth visiting and revisiting.