World War Two was the sum of numerous related conflicts with their own causes, patterns and outcomes. This new and convincing survey takes a global perspective to explain the complicated course of the war in military terms. Jeremy Black provides fresh insights into the operations at the Eastern Front and the war against Japan and argues against a trend to demilitarize, giving due weight to the campaigns and battles that made up the war.

World War Two covers all the major fields of conflict, challenging common interpretations and including new insights. The chronological approach includes analysis of attacks at land, air and sea and a comparison of military resources. The focus is always operational, but social, cultural and political aspects are also included.