WW2: A Laymans Guide: A Short & Straightforward History of the Second World War

by Scott Addington

This book is written specifically for readers who want to understand the Second World War in plain English, with no heavy jargon, no encyclopaedic detail, and no expectation that you have a PhD in reading 1500 page tomes!

Inside you'll

A clear-cut explanation of how the war the unresolved tensions of the 1920s and 1930s, the rise of the NSDAP, the pacts, mis-calculations and moments that triggered the global conflict.A survey of the major theatres and turning from the Blitz over Britain to Stalingrad, from the island campaigns in the Pacific to the landings in Normandy, showing how the war spread, evolved, and concluded.Short chapters, straightforward language and a focused narrative mean you can pick this up, dive in for 10–15 minutes and walk away with a solid grasp of one of the century's defining conflicts.
Who this book is

Readers with little or no prior knowledge of WW2 who prefer something accessible rather than academic.Those who have heard the major events (D-Day, Hiroshima, Stalingrad, Battle of Britain) but want to understand how it all fits together.Gift-givers and armchair historians looking for a readable, smart introduction.Younger readers exploring history for the first time and adults wanting a refresher without the slog.
"Written with pace and personality not found in other history books, it is a truly brilliant introduction to World War Two." Amazon reviewer

"Scott has produced another easy-to-read guide that gives you enough information to cover the major topics. The clever bit is the informal style that makes these books appealing to everyone with a curiosity in the subject but who does not have the time or stamina for an academic epic." Amazon reviewer

"This is indeed an excellent read. It lays out the events of World War Two in a way that the ordinary reader could understand. The book is written using plain but effective language. A true Layman's guide." Amazon reviewer


History doesn't have to be boring! Dive into WW2 with this engaging, no-nonsense guide.
Get your copy now!

Also available in paperback

Genres: History, Nonfiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2016

Reviews

[Tiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insightful view into WW2 which addresses key dates and events throughout the war. I really appreciated the simple way it was written that allowed me to understand the key players, the Axis vs Allies relationships and allowed a detailed yet understandable overview of what battles occurred when and in succession. I liked hearing about the tenacity of men who fought for their country and yet was deeply disturbed reading through how many lives were lost, the horrific nature of the concentration camps, the mass rape and killings and loss of life. Very good read.

[Frank A Florio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of non-fiction, especially war. World War 2 is my favorite area to read in non-fiction. What I really liked about the book was the concise chapters concerning every important event. Plus the author’s sense of humor was on point. Despite not spending a great deal of time on any aspect of the war I was able to extract key pieces of information that I had not read previously even after reading large volumes. The book was a joy to read beginning to end.

[Lulu Mutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having "studied" WW2 at Academy I realised I probably should have listened harder in school. So much I didn't know about. This book is easy to digest and flows along quite easily while still being full of facts and data without being boring. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to getting stuck into another Layman's Guide soon.

[Ann Marchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good, comprehensive little read

Like all of Scott's layman guides this is a very enjoyable overview that never gets bogged down in minutia but gives an easy to read and understand timeline of such a terrible time for the world

[Terri Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive

Loved this, informative , easy to digest. Answered all my questions making world war 2 easier to understand and respect such a massive war. Amazing. Highly recommended for anyone. Thank you Scott Addington. Now I am on to your next book. World War 1!

[Nuno Lacerda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muito instrutivo

Fácil de se ler e muito instrutivo para as gerações futuras.
Foi lido numa assentada.
Espero que os mais novos o leiam e tirem ilações do horror que foi a Segunda Guerra Mundial

[Barry Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read, if you want to know the basics of the Second World War. It takes you from why basically it started, to the end and slightly beyond. From this book i have a better understanding of WW2, than any other. Scott Addington has created precisely as it says "A Laymans Guide".

[Trudy Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of WW2 historical fiction. At times it is hard to decipher the truth for the fiction. I keep books such as this one by my side. They guide me to the truth. They guide me to other resources.

This book has been very helpful.

[MR MICHAEL A FRANCIS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

Finally, an easy to read look at the most destructive world war ever. Makes WW1 look like a picnic m

[Didi Mack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. It helped me keep a timeline of all of the battles and their relevance towards the total war. Sometimes I wanted more detail, but this is a good comprehensive guide.

[Barry Worth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this little page-turner and would defo recommend!

[Per Hollander]

Too basic for me.

[Liza Claire Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good cursory history, but there are several distracting typos. This book could have used another pass through the editor’s office.

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

All The Main Facts

Layman’s guide indeed but a pretty good one. Contains pretty well all the major events of the war told in a way that is easy to understand.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, easy to read overview of WWII. Perhaps a little flippant, it is still informative and a good summary of key events of the war.