What do you think?
Rate this book
1939: A People's History of the Coming of the Second World War
In the autumn of 1938, Europe believed in the promise of peace. But only a year later, the fateful decisions of just a few men had again led Europe to a massive world war. Drawing on contemporary diaries, memoirs, and newspapers, as well as recorded interviews, 1939 is a narrative account of what the coming of the Second World War felt like to those who lived through it.
Frederick Taylor, author of renowned histories of the Berlin Wall and the bombing of Dresden, highlights the day-to-day experiences of ordinary citizens as well as those who were at the height of power in Germany and Britain. Their voices lend an intimate flavor to this often-surprising account of the period and reveal a marked disconnect between government and people, for few people in either country wanted war.
1939 is a vivid and richly peopled narrative of Europe’s slide into the horrors of war and a powerful warning for our own time.
Frederick Taylor, author of renowned histories of the Berlin Wall and the bombing of Dresden, highlights the day-to-day experiences of ordinary citizens as well as those who were at the height of power in Germany and Britain. Their voices lend an intimate flavor to this often-surprising account of the period and reveal a marked disconnect between government and people, for few people in either country wanted war.
1939 is a vivid and richly peopled narrative of Europe’s slide into the horrors of war and a powerful warning for our own time.
448 pages, Hardcover
Published May 26, 2020
110 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Frederick Taylor
44 books70 followersFrederick Taylor is a British novelist and historian specialising in modern German history.
He was educated at Aylesbury Grammar School and read History and Modern Languages at Oxford University. He did postgraduate work at Sussex University on the rise of the extreme right in Germany in the early twentieth century. Before embarking on the series of historical monographs for which he is best known, he translated The Goebbels Diaries 1939–1941 into English and wrote novels set in Germany.
He was educated at Aylesbury Grammar School and read History and Modern Languages at Oxford University. He did postgraduate work at Sussex University on the rise of the extreme right in Germany in the early twentieth century. Before embarking on the series of historical monographs for which he is best known, he translated The Goebbels Diaries 1939–1941 into English and wrote novels set in Germany.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 28, 2021
“1939: A People's History" by Frederick Taylor is an interesting account of the events leading up to the start of the Second World War as experienced by ordinary people; men, women and children, in England and Germany. Although not a book of action with a Blitzkrieg of tanks and aircraft crashing through allied defences, its a great account of the experiences of the men and women in both countries trapped in this cascading chain of events that finally led to the outbreak of WW2. The author utilises original British and German sources, including recorded interviews, along with numerous diaries, memoirs and newspapers to bring this story to life.
I found in an engaging read and full of interesting information, some of which I may have failed to register in my previous reading on this period. For instance:
"At 2 p.m. on Sunday 2 October, Poland's semi-dictatorial government sent troops to occupy the hitherto Czech-governed industrial district of the former duchy of Teschen ( Těšín). The region, with a population of about 200,000, which had been in dispute between the two countries since 1919, was declared annex to Poland. The country's nationalist press went wild. Showing rather more prescience, one of the Czech officers in charge of the surrender remarked bitterly to his Polish counterparts that they would be handing over the area to Germany before they knew it."
The author also provided details of the IRA bombing campaign that was taking place during the months leading up to WW2 including the bomb that went off in Coventry on Friday the 25th August 1939. Five people died and 70 were injured when that IRA bomb exploded in the Coventry city centre. The author mentions covert links between extreme republicans and German military intelligence leading up to the start of the war; the enemy of my enemy is my friend!
Another interesting bit of information from the book covers the concerns of the civilian population in England about the plight of their pets in case of aerial bombing or a gas attack by the Germans:
"There had, in fact, been a spate of anxious pet lovers taking their animal companions to vets to be euthanized during the Munich Crisis, perhaps amounting to several thousand in all. The National Canine Defence League had been forced to refuse a wave of requests for help with 'putting to sleep' pet dogs, advising owners to await the outcome of the Hitler/Chamberlain talks before taking such drastic decisions. It was an experience which meant, a year later, that the NCDL (and its equivalent for cats, the CPL) had built lists of potential homes for city pets threatened by possible enemy action. Perhaps it saved some." However once war was declared against Germany in 1939 it led to what was later called 'the great cat and dog massacre'. In the first week of the war in September 1939, at least 400,000 cats and dogs in London were destroyed.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it as a good start to read about the events leading up to the start of the Second World War and how ordinary civilians on both sides of the Channel experienced those events.
I found in an engaging read and full of interesting information, some of which I may have failed to register in my previous reading on this period. For instance:
"At 2 p.m. on Sunday 2 October, Poland's semi-dictatorial government sent troops to occupy the hitherto Czech-governed industrial district of the former duchy of Teschen ( Těšín). The region, with a population of about 200,000, which had been in dispute between the two countries since 1919, was declared annex to Poland. The country's nationalist press went wild. Showing rather more prescience, one of the Czech officers in charge of the surrender remarked bitterly to his Polish counterparts that they would be handing over the area to Germany before they knew it."
The author also provided details of the IRA bombing campaign that was taking place during the months leading up to WW2 including the bomb that went off in Coventry on Friday the 25th August 1939. Five people died and 70 were injured when that IRA bomb exploded in the Coventry city centre. The author mentions covert links between extreme republicans and German military intelligence leading up to the start of the war; the enemy of my enemy is my friend!
Another interesting bit of information from the book covers the concerns of the civilian population in England about the plight of their pets in case of aerial bombing or a gas attack by the Germans:
"There had, in fact, been a spate of anxious pet lovers taking their animal companions to vets to be euthanized during the Munich Crisis, perhaps amounting to several thousand in all. The National Canine Defence League had been forced to refuse a wave of requests for help with 'putting to sleep' pet dogs, advising owners to await the outcome of the Hitler/Chamberlain talks before taking such drastic decisions. It was an experience which meant, a year later, that the NCDL (and its equivalent for cats, the CPL) had built lists of potential homes for city pets threatened by possible enemy action. Perhaps it saved some." However once war was declared against Germany in 1939 it led to what was later called 'the great cat and dog massacre'. In the first week of the war in September 1939, at least 400,000 cats and dogs in London were destroyed.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it as a good start to read about the events leading up to the start of the Second World War and how ordinary civilians on both sides of the Channel experienced those events.
March 24, 2021
Frederick Taylor - who I knew from his excellent book about the Berlin Wall - is back with personal accounts from those people who lived during 1939, one of the most critical years of the 20th century.
With hindsight, it might perhaps be difficult to understand how people could walk on the road to war. However, during those weeks it became more and more difficult to distinguish fact from fiction especially in Germany, where the media was completely under state control and Hitler already decided to go to war in September 1939.
One of the most disturbing conclusions I reached after reading this book, is that it all can happen again. Especially in today's world, with its social media and the fact that some politicians seem to use social media for creating an atmosphere where people are divided, believe what they want to believe and have blind faith in their leaders. This book therefore serves as a warning; an opportunity for us to learn from our history and a reminder that we must never take peace for granted.
With hindsight, it might perhaps be difficult to understand how people could walk on the road to war. However, during those weeks it became more and more difficult to distinguish fact from fiction especially in Germany, where the media was completely under state control and Hitler already decided to go to war in September 1939.
One of the most disturbing conclusions I reached after reading this book, is that it all can happen again. Especially in today's world, with its social media and the fact that some politicians seem to use social media for creating an atmosphere where people are divided, believe what they want to believe and have blind faith in their leaders. This book therefore serves as a warning; an opportunity for us to learn from our history and a reminder that we must never take peace for granted.
October 13, 2020
This book is a good mix of perspectives throughout the 12 months prior to September 1939, from the thoughts and decisions of key political figures to reactions and feelings of a collection of individual citizens. I found the detail around general culture interesting as this was stuff I have never read or thought much about previously (a Nazi tourism and leisure program??).
A major drawback is that, as far as the "people" go, the book is focused nearly exclusively on Great Britain and Germany. I would have liked to have read more (any?) perspectives from Poland and Russia in particular. Speaking of Russia, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact didn't get anywhere near the attention it deserved given the geopolitical earthquake it was at the time. How did the Poles and their leaders react? What did the Russian people think? The Germans? What about those Communist party members in Britain and France? This was one of the most significant events of the period covered, so it's curious and disappointing it didn't get more attention.
A major drawback is that, as far as the "people" go, the book is focused nearly exclusively on Great Britain and Germany. I would have liked to have read more (any?) perspectives from Poland and Russia in particular. Speaking of Russia, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact didn't get anywhere near the attention it deserved given the geopolitical earthquake it was at the time. How did the Poles and their leaders react? What did the Russian people think? The Germans? What about those Communist party members in Britain and France? This was one of the most significant events of the period covered, so it's curious and disappointing it didn't get more attention.
October 31, 2020
What a page turner! And how relevant a read in 2020 as an American!
Frederick Taylor offers a compelling and fast moving account of British and German public exposures that preceded WW2 , focusing on a 12 month period between fall 1938-1939. The level of analysis is the individual citizen, with a collection of British and German sources reflecting a range of socioeconomic and political perspectives.
This captivating history is supported by personal accounts, journal entries and correspondence, and media sources. Manipulation, fake news, lies. Yes, pre- internet Nazi propaganda machines were cynical and efficient. And the use by Nazi’s of staged events to shape public opinion, often horrific and deadly. Downstream the impact shed doubts on the accuracy of information upon which the British could act.
Taylor’s previous efforts have focused on war and immediate post war periods. Here he fills a void by providing a foundation for what follows. I found this an excellent compliment to Larson’s The Splendid and The Ville, which takes up shortly after this leaves off- Chamberlain’s exit and Churchill’s turn to wrestle with Nazi aggression.
Frederick Taylor offers a compelling and fast moving account of British and German public exposures that preceded WW2 , focusing on a 12 month period between fall 1938-1939. The level of analysis is the individual citizen, with a collection of British and German sources reflecting a range of socioeconomic and political perspectives.
This captivating history is supported by personal accounts, journal entries and correspondence, and media sources. Manipulation, fake news, lies. Yes, pre- internet Nazi propaganda machines were cynical and efficient. And the use by Nazi’s of staged events to shape public opinion, often horrific and deadly. Downstream the impact shed doubts on the accuracy of information upon which the British could act.
Taylor’s previous efforts have focused on war and immediate post war periods. Here he fills a void by providing a foundation for what follows. I found this an excellent compliment to Larson’s The Splendid and The Ville, which takes up shortly after this leaves off- Chamberlain’s exit and Churchill’s turn to wrestle with Nazi aggression.
January 28, 2020
Interesting book esp. the views of people who really didn't want war. With the break-up of Europe it seems we haven't learned much since the 1930s. Thanks for reminding us, Mr. Taylor!
December 18, 2021
1939: A People’s History of the Coming of the Second World War is a fine read for history buffs and those interested in WWII in general. Taylor digs into the archives and uses several primary sources to put you in the shoes of those who lived in Europe on the eve of the world’s deadliest and costliest war, offering perspectives of political/military leaders and ordinary civilians alike. Beginning in September 1938, each chapter generally covers a month or two and does a good job of capturing the feelings and attitudes of several people, primarily in Germany and Great Britain, as the drums of war beat louder by the week. As this book takes a largely sociopolitical approach to the WWII sub-genre, one that is often under-appreciated and under-examined (in my opinion), you will not find extensive details on the military buildup, mobilization, or preparations for battle in a tactical context. Nonetheless, the fascinating lenses in which Taylor frames the coming of WWII, along with the details and accounts he provides, makes it a worthwhile read.
January 14, 2021
“1939” is an enjoyable, if at times slightly disjointed and myopic book that tells a story of the year leading up to the start of the Second World War (Germany’s attack on Poland on 1 Sept, and a couple days later on 3 Sept Britain and France declaring war on Germany). Though historian-author Frederick Taylor uses some ‘well worn’ (i.e., already know and written about) historical events of 1938-39 to anchor his narrative, his is a largely unique employment of common citizen voices to fill in the human emotion and character of the time. This makes the book less dry and more engaging for readers who might not otherwise be interested in a dry history of events 80+ years ago. Where “1939” may suffer is in its myopia benign focused almost entirely on German and British voices, as though other Europeans were not involved in these events. This (significant) criticism aside, Taylor’s book is a worthy addition to the genre. 3.5 stars.
February 21, 2021
Generally I had a positive impression of the book. People's history styled books are always very selective about who's point of view is included. It fascinated my how Hitler managed the message that propelled the war machine forward and how the English message (and corresponding public opinion) drifted along based on current events. I would have liked to hear more about how the religious leaders in both countries viewed things but in our currently secular world their views are neglected. Too bad.
March 3, 2022
We have a book about war that is unusual. Taylor’s book tells us about just ONE year of a significant (very significant) that rocked the world. He tells us what happened before WW@ was officially a war.
The name of each chapter tells us what to expect—in a different way than our history teachers told us. Examples are, “So, Now War?, More Popular Than Hitler and It’s Hitler Again, But Don’t Worry..” This is not written for humor. The information goes into material that high school history course would not touch.
The name of each chapter tells us what to expect—in a different way than our history teachers told us. Examples are, “So, Now War?, More Popular Than Hitler and It’s Hitler Again, But Don’t Worry..” This is not written for humor. The information goes into material that high school history course would not touch.
August 12, 2021
I guess I'm used to linear history. This author jumps around with tales from ordinary citizens and the tribulations of British officials such as PM Neville Chamberlain. Because of this format, it is hard to keep track of what's going on in the book. The author does know his history, I'm not disputing that. Maybe next time focus on either just personal accounts from citizens or only document the official record?
November 19, 2023
This work is a good insight to what people were doing and how life was just before the war started. It offers snaps shots of the life and times of average people living their most ordinary lives. My parents were married in 1936 and my oldest brother born in 1937. While I wasn't born during WW2, I am from that generation.
This is a good, easy read for a person who has an interest in the year the war started.
This is a good, easy read for a person who has an interest in the year the war started.
March 1, 2023
In rating this book it was hard to give it an overall rating since, while the pervasive detail of the book is very noteworthy, a lot becomes too much. You have to be prepared for a very lengthy read and content to wade through and about every socioeconomic facet of life for the Germans and the English throughout 1939. Well done if that is what you are looking for.
July 4, 2020
This would have been 5 stars if it was half its length. Or tell the history in chapter xA, then tell people’s stories in chapter xB, so people like me can easily jump over to the next history part.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
February 18, 2024
The last year before the coming of the second world war, from the Munich agreement to the invasion of Poland, as witnessed by British and German citizens, as well as some people who were refugees from the German occupation of Czechoslovakia and other countries. An interesting book.
March 25, 2025
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! The author brings the world-changing events of the start of World War 2 down to the street level, so you see a lot of average citizens’ reactions to the news. A fresh take on a tragic era from the last century.
July 6, 2020
Excellent
Well researched and detailed. Clearer understanding of incidents leading up to World War 2. Understanding role of Versailles in creating groundwork for German aggression
Well researched and detailed. Clearer understanding of incidents leading up to World War 2. Understanding role of Versailles in creating groundwork for German aggression
May 29, 2023
3.8 Interesting view of the year Sept. 1938-Sept. 1939 and the people's views of the lead up to WWII. A lot of comparisons could be made with Vlad Putin and his preparation for Ukraine.
November 12, 2023
well written review of events, both in the military and ordinary citizen/civilian lives ... a good peek ... so MUCH going on, it could never cover it all
July 11, 2024
An original and interesting look at media and everyday people’s life in the two years leading up to WWII, along with a good recap of political events.
July 24, 2024
No, it's not 'a people's history', rather a mix of historical narration, which is prevalent, with some sprinkles here and there of ordinary people's POWs -and even that is not properly managed, the narration is limited to some German and British (London) citizens, chosen at random and without getting a sense of familiarization with them.
It's a well-researched book, but I had hoped for a narration entirely based from everyday people, leaving out the big shots and the usual historical narration. I wanted to feel how people reacted as the situation escalated/degenerated, until the inevitable happened.
As it is, it's a slightly boring book!
It's a well-researched book, but I had hoped for a narration entirely based from everyday people, leaving out the big shots and the usual historical narration. I wanted to feel how people reacted as the situation escalated/degenerated, until the inevitable happened.
As it is, it's a slightly boring book!
June 26, 2020
I picked this up on a whim at the local library. I enjoyed it and read it straight through in about 4 days. I love learning history and I loved the premise of this book. I definitely learnt a lot and I loved the slow pace, focusing on one year rather than the whole world war or a decade gives a lot of space to the reader to understand what it would have felt like to be alive in that time. However, it was not great book. It was enjoyable but not fantastic. I'd recommend it for history nerds like myself but not a light reader. It could have used more focus on diary entries and the common people (that was what it said it would do but it meanders a bit far from that goal) - and is in need of a really good edit.
December 7, 2019
Drawing on Private British and German diaries and letters, plus newspaper accounts, this social history covers the period from September of 1938, when Chamberlain left for Munich and returned with “peace for our time,” to the outbreak of World War II on Sunday, September 3, 1939, at the expiration of a British/French ultimatum over Poland ... told from the point of view of “the man in the street” ...
February 23, 2020
Die Geschichte von der Warte des kleinen Mannes aus gesehen ist eindrücklich und stösst zum Nachdenken an. Geschichte geschieht jeden Tag und alles ist möglich.
Mir fällt ein Vergleich ein: so wie Farbfilmaufnahmen des 2ten Weltkriegs das Geschehene "realistischer" erscheinen lassen als Schwarzweissaufnahmen, so wird Geschichte durch die Erzählweise dieses Buches für jeden greifbarer.
Mir fällt ein Vergleich ein: so wie Farbfilmaufnahmen des 2ten Weltkriegs das Geschehene "realistischer" erscheinen lassen als Schwarzweissaufnahmen, so wird Geschichte durch die Erzählweise dieses Buches für jeden greifbarer.
June 27, 2019
Oh, I would love to read this one. Taylor is either a genius or an idiot. As 1938 the people of Europe wanted war. And the members of European governments were even more willing to go to war than everybody else.
February 25, 2020
It's far from the feeling that is described by 'reviews' on the cover. Just another History book. The idea of the book was perfect, the way the idea went live - rubish. I have this attitude - to finish if once started and it was a big struggle to finish it.
December 27, 2020
Very well written and keeps the reader engaged whilst jumping between different POVs throughout the book - engaged the imagination of events and understanding of the mindset during the months before the war broke out.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews