Richard Overy Books

The definitive visual history of the people, politics and events of World War IWorld War I: The Definitive Visual Guide is a fascinating portrait of a world at war, vividly portraying the conflicts of the Great War on land, sea and in the skies. This history book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the First World War. You will uncover the details of the Great War's titanic battles such as Gallipoli, the Somme and Verdun that left an indelible mark on the collective memories of countries and that claimed a generation of young men. Discover how local fears and hatreds escalated into one vast conflict that was fought out to the bitter end. Find out about key battles, political and economic forces, individual leaders and technological advances that influenced the course of the First World War. Timelines show you the war unfolding across countries, providing an overview of developments in all the theatres of war.Packed with images, maps, portraits, key artefacts and unforgettable first person accounts, World War I: The Definitive Visual Guide is an uniquely accessible military history of one of the world's most devastating conflicts.

A revised edition of an illustrated history of the world, with expanded coverage of China, Japan, southeast Asia, and the United States, from early civilizations to the present day, with a glossary detailing key figures and developments throughout history.

The Times History of the 20th Century is a major treatment of this turbulent century. Its richly interwoven tapestry of text, maps and photographs brings the century's main themes and underlying stories into sharp and arresting focus. Richard Overy's compelling and analytical text takes the world from the pomp of Europe's imperial heyday and the cataclysm of the First World War through the Great Depression, the Second World War and the Cold War to the uncertainties of today. Special attention is paid to the themes and challenges which have faced humanity throughout the century: the environment, health, science, leisure and technology. With over 300 colour maps and hundreds of photographs, it is both a visual feast and a work of substantial scholarship.

This book offers a fresh perspective on World War II, challenging conventional narratives and providing a deep analysis of the conflict's complexities. The author, a prominent military historian from Britain, explores key events, strategies, and the implications of decisions made during the war. With a focus on critical reassessments, it invites readers to reconsider widely held beliefs and understand the war's lasting impact on modern society and military thought.

The narrative delves into the devastating impact of air raids on Japan during the final months of World War II, highlighting the moral implications of targeting civilians and the normalization of mass destruction. Richard Overy challenges the notion that bombing directly led to Japan's surrender, placing it within a broader context of Japan's complex cultural stance on surrender. By interweaving the strategies of firebombing and atomic attacks with Japan's internal struggles to end the war, the book offers a thought-provoking reevaluation of this pivotal moment in history.

"Overy has written a masterpiece of analytical history, posing and answering one of the great questions of the century."--Sunday Times (London)

An analytical study of the dictatorships of Hitler and Stalin discusses their public images in comparison with their private personalities, their ascents to power, their creations of extermination camps and the Soviet Gulag, and the massive wars that marked their rules. Reprint. History.

RUSSIA'S WAR is the epic account of the greatest military encounter in human history. In a vivid, often shocking narrative, Richard Overy describes the astounding events of 1941-45 in which the Soviet Union, after initial catastrophes, destroyed Hitler's Third Reich and shaped European history for the next half Century.

From award-winning historian Richard Overy, this work presents the harrowing true story of interviews conducted with Nazi leaders after World War II. As the Third Reich crumbled in 1945, remaining leaders were imprisoned and interrogated for months prior to the Nuremberg Trials. Overy reveals original transcripts of these interviews with key figures: the brutal Goering, the amnesiac Hess, the evasive Ribbentrop, the courteous Speer, and the suicidal Ley. For the first time, they were compelled to confront their actions and articulate the unspeakable, offering an unprecedented and shocking insight into Hitler's henchmen. The book provides a chilling glimpse into the minds of these individuals who once followed Hitler's orders. Critics have praised it as enthralling and remarkable, noting that Overy's incisive commentary illuminates the dejected figures who previously danced to Hitler's tune. The work is seen as a fascinating exploration of the mindset of Hitler's inner circle. Overy, a distinguished historian, has extensively studied the intellectual, social, and military ideas that shaped the Second World War, and his previous works have received notable accolades, including the Wolfson Prize for History.

The book explores the evolution of a significant topic over five editions, providing updated insights and research. It delves into key themes, presenting a comprehensive analysis that reflects current trends and developments. Readers can expect to find a wealth of information, including case studies and expert opinions, which enhance understanding of the subject matter. The author’s engaging writing style makes complex concepts accessible, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.