The World at Arms: Reader's Digest Illustrated History of World War II

by Reader's Digest Association (Editor)

Traces the history of the war from the rise of Hitler to the surrender of Japan and looks at the events that shaped the course of the war

Genres: History, World War II, War, Nonfiction

480 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 1989

About the author

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global media and direct marketing company based in Chappaqua, New York, best known for its flagship publication founded in 1922, Reader's Digest. The company's headquarters are in New York City, where it moved from Pleasantville, New York.

The company was founded by DeWitt and Lila Wallace in 1922 with the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine, but has grown to include a diverse range of magazines, books, music, DVDs and online content.

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I just recalled was in my library. Reader's Digest isn't necessarily famous for being the great repository of world history, but this book is actually pretty terrific. This is my go-to reference for World War II. It's full of wonderful maps and incredible illustrations that give you a panoramic overview of the great mid-century hemoclysm.

[Bevan Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn't get a lot of press, but it is actually the best one-volume record of World War 2 that I've read. Its well illustrated, very readable and has plenty of interesting sidebars and details. An excellent reference and starting point.

[Sean Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had leafed through this volume before when my brother gave it to me, but this was the first time I took the time to read it clear through; the effort was well-rewarded.
Full from cover to cover with information (most I'd learned before, but with parts and tidbits of things new to me). I love history, especially military history, and this was right down my alley.

[Raymond Pang · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best single volume histories of World War Two. Packed with information, illustrations & photos.
Excellent primer to other ww2 subjects, but on its own good enough for general readers.
Should be on every school & public library shelf.

[Vivekananda SV · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book I never had but know illustrations and trivia of weapons.

[Eslea]

A great book for those who want a book of facts about World War II in their library.
I have enjoyed this new book The Wish; a few times read now. Exciting life like flight scenes made you feel like you were there hanging on for dear life. It really took me back to someone's personal feelings, helping me better understand how it was for those who lived during World War II, and better my own feelings about surviving and living this moment in time more grateful.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

[Evan Beckius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very interesting. I enjoyed the pictures of all of the battles. I also liked the amount of detail the authors put into the book. The authors give lots of statistics and give tons of information about many aspects of the war. I learned a lot about World War II from reading this book. I also liked that the book gave pictures showing how the front lines changed in battles over time. But, I wish it had more pictures for being a illustrated book. Overall, I really enjoyed the book.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tengo que aceptar que este es un muy buen y serio libro de Reader's Digest. Narra con excelente detalle la historia de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, desglanandola en ocasiones en campañas, batallas, aspectos técnicos, etc. Además contiene infinidad de fotografías. Muy recomendable.

[Stephen Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading this book because it has concise and chronological details about the events of World War 2. It has pictures of different tanks and soldier dress, as well as commander biographies.

[Shahid Saleem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book 11 years back during my college days in Pakistan. Found much simplicity in language and comprehension. Amazing feature of this volume was good match of text with battles' pictures (which are even harder to find).

[Harrison Kessel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and descriptive book blended perfectly to create a great novel on such an interesting subject.

[Djfchuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good WWII History Book, massive topic, handled well, with good pictures, explanations and interesting pieces of side history stories intertwined with the main subject.