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World War II Map by Map
Trace the epic history of World War 2 across the globe with more than 100 detailed maps.
In this stunning visual history book, custom maps tell the story of the Second World War from the rise of the Axis powers to the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Each map is rich with detail and graphics, helping you to chart the progress of key events of World War II on land, sea, and air, such as the Dunkirk evacuation, the attack on Pearl Harbor, the D-Day landings, and the siege of Stalingrad.
Historical maps from both Allied and Axis countries also offer unique insights into the events. There are timelines to help you follow the story as it unfolds, while narrative overviews explain the social, economic, political, and technical developments at the time. Fascinating, large-scale pictures introduce topics such as the Holocaust, blitzkrieg, kamikaze warfare, and code-breaking.
Written by a team of historians in consultation with Richard Overy, World War II Map by Map examines how the deadliest conflict in history changed the face of our world. It is perfect for students, general readers, and military history enthusiasts.
In this stunning visual history book, custom maps tell the story of the Second World War from the rise of the Axis powers to the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Each map is rich with detail and graphics, helping you to chart the progress of key events of World War II on land, sea, and air, such as the Dunkirk evacuation, the attack on Pearl Harbor, the D-Day landings, and the siege of Stalingrad.
Historical maps from both Allied and Axis countries also offer unique insights into the events. There are timelines to help you follow the story as it unfolds, while narrative overviews explain the social, economic, political, and technical developments at the time. Fascinating, large-scale pictures introduce topics such as the Holocaust, blitzkrieg, kamikaze warfare, and code-breaking.
Written by a team of historians in consultation with Richard Overy, World War II Map by Map examines how the deadliest conflict in history changed the face of our world. It is perfect for students, general readers, and military history enthusiasts.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published September 3, 2019
265 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Publishing
8,680 books2,037 followersDorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 19, 2020
4 bright stars for an excellent book of very well done maps, showing all the sea and land campaigns/battles in WWII. I like history and maps, so I thoroughly enjoyed this library book.
September 23, 2020
For some events of WW2, maps are a natural, useful, and beautiful tool to show what's going on. For these the book has some great maps. A weak point is that the book tries to cover all aspects of WW2 with maps, including ones where a map is just not the right tool for the job. Additionally, my Dutch translation had a few mistakes where some map labels where left untranslated, and some instances where the transliteration of (mostly Russian) names where inconsistent between the text and the map labels.
July 17, 2021
You can watch the entire WWII unfold from pre-war turmoil, to post-war aftermath. There is almost too much information squeezed in here. Midway in 2 pages? Guadalcanal has a topo map take up 1.5 pages, and then 3 paragraphs for this huge land and sea battle.
I love reading nonfiction And I have maps in my office per strong interest in radio-contacts I've made. I've always found the entire DK series very difficult to read, per treating graphics so primary. The text takes a second-hand seat and flows around the picture layouts. These books always look good when you flip through them at the store. But I find them difficult to actually read. The maps for a battle have color coded lines, and timelines for the color-codes. But this makes the maps VERY busy and a tangle of octopus-like lines. These battles are better seen as they unfold in a multi-map format, rather than just the one single map seen here.
I love reading nonfiction And I have maps in my office per strong interest in radio-contacts I've made. I've always found the entire DK series very difficult to read, per treating graphics so primary. The text takes a second-hand seat and flows around the picture layouts. These books always look good when you flip through them at the store. But I find them difficult to actually read. The maps for a battle have color coded lines, and timelines for the color-codes. But this makes the maps VERY busy and a tangle of octopus-like lines. These battles are better seen as they unfold in a multi-map format, rather than just the one single map seen here.
August 30, 2022
Excellent maps covering most of the major conflicts of the Second World War. Rather than reading this cover to cover, I've found it great as a companion to almost any other book on the second world war.
June 29, 2020
It wasn't my favorite WWII book I've read, but I still enjoyed it. I was able to get through it pretty quickly. The way it was set up was a little chaotic. The maps were difficult to read, and each page had a small text box and dates about what happened in a certain location at a certain time. I'd honestly just rather read the overview of the battle and look at the maps separately. As I said, the set up was little chaotic.
But, I still enjoyed it a lot!
But, I still enjoyed it a lot!
September 15, 2020
Good price and informative
Very detailed book I have more idea how the battles were fought on a map and I learnt new things.
Very detailed book I have more idea how the battles were fought on a map and I learnt new things.
February 13, 2021
Excellent visual presentation of the entire war using actual and redrawn battle maps.
April 11, 2025
Foreword, by Peter Snow
--World War II Map by Map
Glossary
Index
Acknowledgments
--World War II Map by Map
Glossary
Index
Acknowledgments
February 25, 2024
I bought this book recently while reading through Manchester and Reid’s final book of The Last Lion trilogy on Winston Churchill. I’m using this as a resource to support my reading of WWII.
This being a book of maps—most of them in color—it didn’t lend itself to reading on my Kindle Paperwhite. The Kindle app on my iPad was the way to go, and even there the layout was a bit glitchy, changing orientation from time to time.
This is a good resource for anyone with an interest in WWII.
This being a book of maps—most of them in color—it didn’t lend itself to reading on my Kindle Paperwhite. The Kindle app on my iPad was the way to go, and even there the layout was a bit glitchy, changing orientation from time to time.
This is a good resource for anyone with an interest in WWII.
Read
July 1, 2021 SMITHSONIAN WORLD WAR II MAP BY MAP is as complete a book about the Second World War as any other book hitting the shelves in the past few decades. What sets this book apart is the fact while there are words to tell the story, there are also detailed maps that put the entire war into greater perspective.
Most of the events leading to the triggering of this War, are covered here in great detail.
The book mentions the “phony War,” that was so named because of the fact the Allies did not enter into full-on fighting until nearly a year later.
The Battle of the River Plate is one of the first noted conflicts. In this, a German U-boat sank the HMS Royal Oak at Scapa Flow, which was Britain’s chief naval base. It was most unexpected, but gave Britain time to plan their counter attack, which they did, inflicting significant damage on the Graf Spee, which was a major player in the war at sea.
Other stories and maps of note of which there are dozens include: Operation Barbarossa, Japan Invades the Philippines, Stalingrad Under Siege, the Battle of Kursk, Massacres in the East, Struggles in Africa, and Operation Bagtration.
There are just a few of the key moments of the War, where strategic planning was key to victory in the battles that ensued. Every map does truly tell a story, citing the devastating attacks and more.
Those who are students of the map will see the War from another perspective. Credit Smithsonian and DK for another exceptional slice of history brought back to life, in a comprehensive manner.
Most of the events leading to the triggering of this War, are covered here in great detail.
The book mentions the “phony War,” that was so named because of the fact the Allies did not enter into full-on fighting until nearly a year later.
The Battle of the River Plate is one of the first noted conflicts. In this, a German U-boat sank the HMS Royal Oak at Scapa Flow, which was Britain’s chief naval base. It was most unexpected, but gave Britain time to plan their counter attack, which they did, inflicting significant damage on the Graf Spee, which was a major player in the war at sea.
Other stories and maps of note of which there are dozens include: Operation Barbarossa, Japan Invades the Philippines, Stalingrad Under Siege, the Battle of Kursk, Massacres in the East, Struggles in Africa, and Operation Bagtration.
There are just a few of the key moments of the War, where strategic planning was key to victory in the battles that ensued. Every map does truly tell a story, citing the devastating attacks and more.
Those who are students of the map will see the War from another perspective. Credit Smithsonian and DK for another exceptional slice of history brought back to life, in a comprehensive manner.
February 4, 2020
I had many large-sized and expensive “coffee table” books home from before the holiday until now. I’ve slowly worked my way through them which mostly means a skimming perusal: get a feel from the table of contents, read a few pages closely, look at most of the pages, look at all of the illustrations or photos. This one is a standout! I did not read it all as it is voluminous in content, although the summary/explanatory text for each map is concise. But it is the maps themselves, in detail, with arrows and sidebars and graphs that contain so much information. I paged through and stopped to examine closely the moments from WWII that I’ve always heard of or wondered about from The Spanish Civil War to The Battle of Britain to The Siege of Leningrad to Omaha Beach to The Bombing of Dresden and more. The book and text and photos are informative and touching. The sheer madness of our world’s destructive ferocity is horrifying while the fearless struggles and sacrifices involved made me want to cry.
November 2, 2020
Trace the history of the Second World War with pictures, timelines, commentary, photographs, and more than one hundred detailed maps in this oversize coffee-table book from the Smithsonian and DK Publishing. Presented chronologically, readers can follow the events that brought the world to war and, ultimately, spared it from destruction.
Beginning with The Slide to War, the unfolding of events turns to Germany Triumphant and then on to The Widening War. Turning the Tide follows, then Endgame and Aftermath.
Within each of these sections, discussion of relevant air and sea campaigns as well as support for the war effort provides a concise look at the progress of the war beginning with The Seeds of War and ending with Remembrance.
A glossary is included.
Recommended, especially for historians, students, and military history aficionados.
Beginning with The Slide to War, the unfolding of events turns to Germany Triumphant and then on to The Widening War. Turning the Tide follows, then Endgame and Aftermath.
Within each of these sections, discussion of relevant air and sea campaigns as well as support for the war effort provides a concise look at the progress of the war beginning with The Seeds of War and ending with Remembrance.
A glossary is included.
Recommended, especially for historians, students, and military history aficionados.
January 21, 2020
What a great way to present an overview of an epic event like WWII. The organization of the events is chronological, but it’s really tough to follow WWII in any sort of detail without a map handy — you don’t get enough detail without some geography, but stories about battles, strategy, etc are tough to follow without a map. This is a really jam-packed overview — though for someone (like me) with deeper knowledge of the war, new info is a little sparse (not totally, though — there are plenty of things that are revealed when timing and geography are combined like this. I’d recommend this book strongly to anyone who wants either a beginner’s overview or a top-line summary of this epic conflict.
Grade: A-
Grade: A-
December 31, 2022
Lots of weird inaccuracies that I'm aware of.
The drawing of lines on the maps I'm often unsure of how precise it is. Often lacking geographical features to explain troop trajectories.
Maps are often too busy to parse without presenting a narrative other then "they advanced" or "they retreated".
Lack of historical maps, almost all maps are modern renders. Most maps were of troop movements. Could have more diversity in what's mapped and displayed beyond troops movements.
The drawing of lines on the maps I'm often unsure of how precise it is. Often lacking geographical features to explain troop trajectories.
Maps are often too busy to parse without presenting a narrative other then "they advanced" or "they retreated".
Lack of historical maps, almost all maps are modern renders. Most maps were of troop movements. Could have more diversity in what's mapped and displayed beyond troops movements.
March 6, 2020
Easily my favorite book on WWII that I’ve read. It’s both easy to read with bright maps that convey many general facts quickly, yet also contains a multitude of fine details in a way that is also easy to understand. I read this cover to cover and would highly recommend it to someone learning about the war for the first time and fellow history buffs who can’t get enough of this period in history.
April 1, 2023
So continuing my learning about WWII my Uncle lent me this book. At first I was a little intimidated or worried it might be too technical or detailed for me to absorb, but in fact I found this book very accessible.
It's kinda divided into 3 sorts of information - there will be a brief few written paragraphs on the battle/event/topic which sets the scene and explains the basics of any section in a straightforward fashion. Then you get numbered paragraphs across each map explaining the situation in a more blow-by-blow account.
Finally you get the maps themselves, complete with arrows, symbols and topography.
Now I will confess as times I did skip over some maps, as there is still a LOT of information to process, but as above the way the knowledge is parsed is really helpful as you can essentially "zoom in" when you want more details or relatively quickly read the pages if you just want a general overview.
In terms of content there is a surprising amount of facts packed into this book, not only the obvious subjects like key battles during WWII but also sections on the effects and aftereffects on European colonies, an epilogue of sorts addressing the cold war, and interesting points about different countries responses (even up to today) to the war afterwards.
Basically if WWII is something you want to learn more about then this book is a good pick for you. Don't be worried like I was that you're going to be overwhelmed with charts and maps - they are there but there is also plenty of accessibly info throughout too.
It's kinda divided into 3 sorts of information - there will be a brief few written paragraphs on the battle/event/topic which sets the scene and explains the basics of any section in a straightforward fashion. Then you get numbered paragraphs across each map explaining the situation in a more blow-by-blow account.
Finally you get the maps themselves, complete with arrows, symbols and topography.
Now I will confess as times I did skip over some maps, as there is still a LOT of information to process, but as above the way the knowledge is parsed is really helpful as you can essentially "zoom in" when you want more details or relatively quickly read the pages if you just want a general overview.
In terms of content there is a surprising amount of facts packed into this book, not only the obvious subjects like key battles during WWII but also sections on the effects and aftereffects on European colonies, an epilogue of sorts addressing the cold war, and interesting points about different countries responses (even up to today) to the war afterwards.
Basically if WWII is something you want to learn more about then this book is a good pick for you. Don't be worried like I was that you're going to be overwhelmed with charts and maps - they are there but there is also plenty of accessibly info throughout too.
February 29, 2024
Otro magnífico libro de mapas, que no es solo el movimiento de las tropas o lugares de batallas, sino una gran presentación de la historia de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, desde el principio al fin, no puedo decir que cubre exactamente todo pero si cubre los más esencialy datos que pasan desapercibidos, con imparcialidad que es lo más importante, ya que la guerra no se puede decir malos contra buenos, más bien intereses contra intereses.
Lo que si puedo decir con seguridad es que de aprenden nuevas cosas y me avivó mis ganas de retomar lecturas cómo estás, ya que fue el evento histórico que impactó en mi vida lectora (y talves a muchos más lectores) para introducirme en la historia, claro que luego me fui por la historia clásica pero eso no significa que haya dejado de gustarme saber más sobre el tema, por más que sea uno de los más cubiertos a nivel textual y visual.
Lo que si puedo decir con seguridad es que de aprenden nuevas cosas y me avivó mis ganas de retomar lecturas cómo estás, ya que fue el evento histórico que impactó en mi vida lectora (y talves a muchos más lectores) para introducirme en la historia, claro que luego me fui por la historia clásica pero eso no significa que haya dejado de gustarme saber más sobre el tema, por más que sea uno de los más cubiertos a nivel textual y visual.
January 28, 2024
The overview of all aspects of WWII
My Dad served in WWII and was part of the Axis of Tunisia. He was one of those people who never wanted to talk about his service and was a true soldier. From Tunisia he was shipped to.the Battle of the bulge and was airlifted out of that battle to Paris and the.to a hospital outside Chicago eventually. His records were lost in a fire there. He never received VA benefits and was denied benefits for most of his life and most of all was unacknowledged for his service in war. This book is for the.people who want to know how it all happened and to add pieces the puzzle of World War II in hopes it will not happen again and to stop dictators from taking over our world.
My Dad served in WWII and was part of the Axis of Tunisia. He was one of those people who never wanted to talk about his service and was a true soldier. From Tunisia he was shipped to.the Battle of the bulge and was airlifted out of that battle to Paris and the.to a hospital outside Chicago eventually. His records were lost in a fire there. He never received VA benefits and was denied benefits for most of his life and most of all was unacknowledged for his service in war. This book is for the.people who want to know how it all happened and to add pieces the puzzle of World War II in hopes it will not happen again and to stop dictators from taking over our world.
November 21, 2021
Not WW2..only Europe
This is a set of maps about WW2 in Europe but has very , very little on the war in Asia. This is truly a Eurocentric book . It is a huge disservice to call this a book of WW2 maps.
In the ebook Kindle version, many of the maps do not orient correctly leaving the reader to try to look at the maps sideways.
This is a set of maps about WW2 in Europe but has very , very little on the war in Asia. This is truly a Eurocentric book . It is a huge disservice to call this a book of WW2 maps.
In the ebook Kindle version, many of the maps do not orient correctly leaving the reader to try to look at the maps sideways.
May 3, 2024
A beautifully made, comprehensive review of WWII. I have already read the visual history version of this by DK but it was great seeing map views of different battles etc. I've learned so much more. The maps can be a little hard to read at times but the authors / artists do a great job and make it as easy to follow as possible. Fantastic and a must read for anyone interested in the war.
March 3, 2024
4.5/5 rounding down for Goodreads.
It's good. Lots of information. The maps are well annotated and easy to read. The various photos are of a high quality. If you're looking for a book that covers the whole of WWII this is a good choice.
It's good. Lots of information. The maps are well annotated and easy to read. The various photos are of a high quality. If you're looking for a book that covers the whole of WWII this is a good choice.
April 14, 2024
Great visual novel
This book was very detailed and covered the whole war. Great for people interested in learning about the war. I was not aware that the kamikaze started so late into the war. It helped me get perspective on the second world war.
This book was very detailed and covered the whole war. Great for people interested in learning about the war. I was not aware that the kamikaze started so late into the war. It helped me get perspective on the second world war.
May 12, 2024
As far as map books go this was a rather drab affair. It didn't really tell us anything new by the text. What was needed was strong and colorful maps that told their own stories. Sadly it missed there as well.
You can miss this one and not miss anything.
You can miss this one and not miss anything.
June 15, 2021
Docking one star because of some typos and small historical errors that passed by the editors' notice.
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September 26, 2021WW 2 Map By Map was most excellent if making the movements during the war more clear.
January 22, 2023
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
December 3, 2023
Really good book really detailed maps breaks out the war very well this is something you take and spend time reading and studying. For serious readers
July 6, 2024
Very well done!!
December 2, 2024
Excellent book that goes into great detail about WWII and the major battles and events that take place.
December 28, 2024
I got this book for my dad for Christmas to encourage him to read more and spend less time on his phone. Let's just say that it worked—BIG TIME!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews