Berlin Diaries, 1940-1945 by Marie Vassiltchikov

Keegan sees value in the book because of Irving's work 'in all the major German archives,' interviews with many survivors, and personal discovery of important documents. 3 In a later book, Keegan acknowledges the criticisms of the book, but he also says it 'is unique in that it recounts the war exclusively from the German side.' 4 Irving's portrayal of Hitler is that of a man trying to do the best for his country. The book has been criticized for years as being 'pro-Hitler', yet Keegan recognizes it as one of the most import books on the time period.

2ģ.) Hitler's War and the War Path by David Irving is an interesting recommendation by Keegan. Hitler and Nazi GermanyĢ.) Keegan recognizes Hitler A Study In Tyranny by Alan Bullock as the 'best biography of Hitler,' and he was likely referring to the unabridged edition. Even better, the new version are spiral-bound, which stands up better against wear and tear.

The books has since been broken up, expanded, and re-branded as The Second World War: Europe and the Mediterrean Atlas and The Second World War Asia and the Pacific Atlas. The books have detailed maps of all campaigns, not just the ones involving Americans. Some of these books are out-of-print, but most of them are readily available and have been republished several times which means Keegan put together a quality list.ġ.) The West Point Atlas of American Wars, Vol 2 by Colonel Vincent J. The list is nearly 20 years old, but it is still valuable to those researching World War II. For example, there is no book on the invasion of Poland in 1939. At the end of his book, The Second World War, John Keegan offers a list of 50 books in English that 'together provide a comprehensive picture of the most important events and themes of the war, which are readable and from which the general reader can derive his own picture of the war as a guide to deeper reading.' 1 Keegan admits this list is not all inclusive and it reflects his interests.

Berlin Diaries, 1940-1945 by Marie Vassiltchikov