Synopses & Reviews
Much of what we think we know about World War II is steeped in myth rather than fact. For seven decades, we have looked at this cataclysmic conflict in much the same way, particularly when it comes to the war in the western theater. In this sweeping narrative history, the first of three volumes, British historian and contrarian James Holland deploys deep research, incisive analysis, and a profound sense of humanity to revise and enhance our understanding of one of the most significant events in history.
It is commonly held that at the outset of war, Germany had the best army in the world, and that Britain barely managed to hold out against it until the Americans declared war and overwhelmed Nazi military prowess with economic might. But the picture looked much different in 1939: In advance of its Polish offensive, Germany was short on resources, tanks, and trained soldiers. Meanwhile, Britain and France had more men in uniform than Germany and considerably greater naval power, and Britain was the richest country in Europe with a massive empire at its disposal. Hitler was bluffing when he called for the wholesale destruction of Poland, but his bet that Western Europe wouldnt get involved turned out to be fatally wrong.
Beginning with the lead-up to the outbreak of war in 1939 and ending in the middle of 1941 on the eve of the Nazi invasion of Russia, The War in the West, Volume I covers the war on several levels, from fascinating tactical revelations—blitzkrieg, Holland argues, is a myth—to the personal stories of a German U-boat captain, a French reserve officer, a son-in-law of Mussolini, an American construction tycoon, and civilians across the war zone. This is a major history, destined to generate significant scholarly debate and reader interest.
Review
Praise for The Rise of Germany, 1939-1941: The War in the West, Volume 1:James Holland is the best of the new generation of World War II historians. His epic new venture convincingly challenges many received ideas about the war and draws some exciting new conclusions.”Sebastian Faulks
With this magnificent, hugely readable debut, James Hollands The War in the West is set fair to become one of the truly great multivolume histories of the Second World War.”Andrew Roberts, New York Times bestselling author of The Storm of War: A New History of the Second World War and Napoleon: A Life
This brilliant, lucid and intimate history is a game-changer, the Second World War will never seem the same again.”Professor David Edgerton, Hans Rausing Professor of the History of Science and Technology, Kings College London
James Holland has produced a gripping multi-layered study of the War in West. It weaves together accounts from all levels of those caught up in the opening stages of the war and provides an accessible and captivating narrative. More importantly still it offers a challenging reappraisal that forces us to rethink our attitudes to the conduct of the most destructive and important war in history. Essential reading.”John Buckley, Professor of War Studies, Wolverhampton University and author of Montys Men: The British Army and the Liberation of Europe
In The Rise of Germany, James Holland weds his typically deft writing to years of research and thought about the early years of World War II. He seeksand findsthat elusive middle ground between the high politics of Hitler, Churchill, and Roosevelt and the personal experience of the soldier in the field. Holland writes on the operational level as well as any historian working today. I am already making room on my shelf for volumes two and three. I would read anything Holland writes.”Robert M. Citino, author of The German Way of War and The Wehrmacht Retreats
A hugely engaging, scholarly, and ambitious book that strips away the myths surrounding the Second World War anduniquelytells the human stories, not just the political and military history. A must-read for anyone with an interest in this turbulent and transformative period.”Tracy Borman, author of Thomas Cromwell
This book stands apart and for all the right reasons: Holland has something new to say. Every page is alive with a level of excitement and enthusiasm. Here is a perspective that turns on its head what I thought I understood about those astonishing yearsfilled with insight and detail.”Neil Oliver
James Hollands The Rise of Germany takes a fresh look at the familiar and finds much food for thoughtturning several conventions on their heads in a compelling and revelatory way.”Al Murray
The first of three volumes promising a revisionist approach to World War II. . . . Let the debates begin.”Library Journal
A lively study.”Kirkus Reviews
Praise for James Holland:
Hollands Dam Busters, thrilling, authoritative and containing astonishing photos, is a military history must read. It is also a shining tribute to those intrepid young airmen.”Tampa Bay Times, on Dam Busters
Holland is good at making complex matters clear.”Wall Street Journal, on Dam Busters
Ambitious and comprehensive. . . . [An] excellent book.”Telegraph (UK), on The Battle of Britain
Informative, enthralling, and movingoften all three at once. It effectively combines narrative and analysis. . . . Genuinely brilliant.”Booklist (starred review), on The Battle of Britain
Holland deftly interweaves the personal histories of pilots, soldiers, submariners, sailors, nurses, office clerks and other civilians. All are brought compellingly to life in a brisk, tightly constructed narrative that has the impetus of first-hand experience.”Guardian (UK), on Fortress Malta
Holland tells the story brilliantly. . . . Vivid, intelligently, movingly, Hollands monumental chronicle tells it like it was.”Mail on Sunday (UK), on Together We Stand
A gripping, yet compassionate account of the terrible war in Italy, with a memorable depiction of civilian suffering.”Antony Beevor, on Italys Sorrow
Synopsis
For seven decades, our understanding of World War II has been shaped by a standard narrative built on conventional wisdom, propaganda, the dramatic but narrow experiences of soldiers on the ground, and an early generation of historians. For his new history, James Holland has spent over twelve years unearthing new research, recording original testimony, and visiting battlefields and archives that have never before been so accessible. In The Rise of Germany, the first of a major new three-part history of World War II in the West, he weaves together the experiences of dozens of individuals, from civilians and infantrymen, to line officers, military strategists, diplomats, and heads of state, as well as war strategy, tactics, and the economic, political, and social aspects of the war to create a captivating book that redefines and enhances our understanding of one of the most significant conflicts in history. Beginning with the lead-up to the outbreak of war in 1939 and ending in 1941 on the eve of Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of Russia, The Rise of Germany is a masterful history of the war on land, in the air, and at sea, destined to generate significant scholarly debate and reader interest.
About the Author
James Holland is a member of the British Commission for Military History and the Guild of Battlefield Guides. His books include
Dam Busters,
Fortress Malta,
Italys Sorrow,
The Battle of Britain, and his fictional World War II series featuring Sergeant Jack Tanner. He lives near Salisbury, England.