Our Finest Hour: The Triumphant Spirit of America's World War II Generation

by LIFE

LIFE magazine salutes the bravery and courage of America's World War II veterans with OUR FINEST HOUR, a special deluxe collector's edition celebrating the heroic spirit of "the greatest generation." Who better to retell the vibrant and diverse stories of World War II than LIFE, the magazine that brought news of the war to the home front, and news of home to soldiers around the world? OUR FINEST HOUR offers stunning photography from LIFE's vast archival library--the largest collection of World War II photographs in the world. This unique book also recounts the moving and personal stories of the Americans who fought in the foxholes, on the high seas and at home. It documents how soldiers, wives, journalists and entertainers were changed by the war experience, and it describes how World War II affected life in America in every possible way--economically, politically, culturally and socially. LIFE was an eyewitness to the heroism, unity and tragedy of the war years; LIFE remembers every private triumph and rending loss; only LIFE can bring the victory home to you.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Life was an American magazine published weekly from 1883 to 1972, as an intermittent "special" until 1978, and as a monthly from 1978 until 2000. During its golden age from 1936 to 1972, Life was a wide-ranging weekly general interest magazine known for the quality of its photography.

Reviews

[Confuzzled Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking through one of these book with the great many pictures I sometimes hope to see my Grandfather who served in WWII in Italy. Or since I do research for the family tree I look for simple books that delve into the War that gives me some info on what he went through since he is no longer here so I can not ask.

The quotes were interesting and pictures are a statement in time but I wanted more out of it then it had. So while it is a good coffee table book that will stand the test of time but does not tell all of the story.

[Virginia Burnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. A must read for everyone!!!

[Pius Munz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting little stories about the war. Some are very heartwarming, and some are sad.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! It's a coffee table book that you can pick up and read in just a few minutes. Mostly pictures with excerpts from Life magazine editions that were printed during WWII. I read it slowly, absorbing the pictures of our service men and women from those years, trying to imagine what it was like and at the same time saying prayers of thanksgiving that I didn't experience it firsthand. Also saying prayers of thanksgiving that my Dad came home safely from that war, even though he was wounded. Like most men I have met that served then, my Dad never talked a lot about what he experienced. As a nurse I have cared for a lot of veterans from WWII, including some from the battle of Iwa Jima. They didn't see themselves as heroes and seem very reluctant to relate their experiences or bring attention to themselves. I did cry while reading this book, so many lives were lost and nearly every life on earth altered during those years. This book helps us look into the past and reminds us that our freedom is very, very precious and should never be taken for granted.

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great pictorial review of WWII and the Greatest Generation

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs!

I wonderful compilations for those who want to learn more about WWII and the men and women who sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

really cool photos

[Cws]

940.54 Life