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We Have Ways of Making You Talk: New Histories of the Second World War – The Official Book from the Hit Podcast
'What is it that makes the history of the Second World War so compelling? Why are the Afflicted afflicted? With these chapters we hope to offer some idea of our approach to, and understanding of, the war, while never forgetting the tumult and terror that came with defeating tyranny. Maybe you will become Afflicted too'
AL MURRAY
'At the time of writing, we have recorded nearly one thousand episodes of the podcast. That's a lot and has taken us longer to chalk up than the duration of the war. Hopefully, this book will draw readers ever further into this utterly absorbing, endlessly fascinating subject that has so captivated both of us'
JAMES HOLLAND
From the most fascinating characters to the bloodiest battles and decisive turning points of the Second World War, We Have Ways of Making You New Histories of the Second World War brings the energy and insight of James Holland and Al Murray's chart-topping podcast to the page.
From El Alamein to Barbarossa and from the war in China to the ruins of Stalingrad, this book draws on the latest pioneering academic research to rethink how the war was fought - and why it unfolded the way it did. This is the Second World War as you haven't read it vivid, forensic and alive with debate.
Experience the darkest hours and narrow escapes of Dunkirk, the perilous Arctic convoys of the North Cape, the devastation of Hamburg and discover the one thing that genuinely terrified Winston Churchill. As with the podcast, the focus is on the overlooked, the misunderstood and the rarely told - the details that change how we understand the conflict as a whole.
Composed from James and Al's detailed show notes, this is essential reading for anyone who thinks they know the Second World War - and for those who want to know it better.
AL MURRAY
'At the time of writing, we have recorded nearly one thousand episodes of the podcast. That's a lot and has taken us longer to chalk up than the duration of the war. Hopefully, this book will draw readers ever further into this utterly absorbing, endlessly fascinating subject that has so captivated both of us'
JAMES HOLLAND
From the most fascinating characters to the bloodiest battles and decisive turning points of the Second World War, We Have Ways of Making You New Histories of the Second World War brings the energy and insight of James Holland and Al Murray's chart-topping podcast to the page.
From El Alamein to Barbarossa and from the war in China to the ruins of Stalingrad, this book draws on the latest pioneering academic research to rethink how the war was fought - and why it unfolded the way it did. This is the Second World War as you haven't read it vivid, forensic and alive with debate.
Experience the darkest hours and narrow escapes of Dunkirk, the perilous Arctic convoys of the North Cape, the devastation of Hamburg and discover the one thing that genuinely terrified Winston Churchill. As with the podcast, the focus is on the overlooked, the misunderstood and the rarely told - the details that change how we understand the conflict as a whole.
Composed from James and Al's detailed show notes, this is essential reading for anyone who thinks they know the Second World War - and for those who want to know it better.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2026
About the author
Al Murray
46 books53 followersAlastair James Hay "Al" Murray is an English comedian and TV personality well known for his stand-up persona and quick repartee.
His best-known character is "The Pub Landlord", a mock-xenophobic but stereotypical publican.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Murray
His best-known character is "The Pub Landlord", a mock-xenophobic but stereotypical publican.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Murray
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 17, 2026
Some of the lesser knows aspects of WWII are examined here.
Very much aimed at those with little or no knowledge of the events discussed.
I'll be honest and say I skipped a couple of chapters, mainly the Pacific Theatre ones.
Very much aimed at those with little or no knowledge of the events discussed.
I'll be honest and say I skipped a couple of chapters, mainly the Pacific Theatre ones.
August 31, 2026
Love these two, love the pod, love this book. It felt like an extended podcast episode, expanded in scope and length. Just wonderful.
October 4, 2026
Really rather good. A perfect entry to the catastrophe of World War 2, and a brilliant advert for the Podcast Al Murray and James Holland host. Twice a week no less. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews