James L. Stokesbury (1934–1995)

One of my personal favorites when it comes to single volume histories of World War II, although it wasn't when I first read it. I think one of the reasons I like it so much now is that Stokesbury does a great job (and spends quite a bit of time on) the causes and effects of the war. He takes the first few chapters to go back to 1919 and explain why World War II was basically inevitable. He also manages to cover most of the aspects of World War II in enough detail to give the casual reader a basic understanding, whether it be a specific theater, a strategy, a world leader, etc. A great starting point if you are just beginning a study of World War II.… (mehr)

Not as good as [b:A Short History of World War II|8915|A Short History of World War II|James L. Stokesbury|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1388340762s/8915.jpg|11818] but I think this was a much more confusing time than World War II was. Certainly, if you are looking for a single volume history of the "war to end all wars," this book is a contender, despite the very few maps included. I like that Stokesbury takes us through the causes of the war, then continues to keep the big picture in mind as we are entering and/or leaving individual chapters. He tells it like it is when it comes to the world leaders of the day as well, detailing their successes and failings.… (mehr)

I'm tempted to say it's not as good as his [book:A Short History of World War II|8915], but that may be because I'm much more well-read on WWII, and have read through the WWII book more. But this is still an excellent single volume history of the American Revolution. I appreciate Stokesbury portraying the causes prior to the beginning of the war, as well as the conclusions following the end of the war. Prior to reading this, I had never really understood all the complexities of the American Revolution, nor understood the world-wide implications. I have the feeling that Americans have forgotten much of what was once common knowledge about our beginnings. This book is an excellent introduction to much of what has been lost.… (mehr)