Items related to 1939: Countdown to War
A leading historian re-creates the final hours of peace in Europe.
On August 24, 1939, the world held its collective breath as Hitler and Stalin signed the now infamous nonaggression pact, signaling an imminent invasion of Poland and daring Western Europe to respond.
In this dramatic account of the final days before the outbreak of World War II, award-winning historian Richard Overy vividly chronicles the unraveling of peace, hour by grim hour, as politicians and ordinary citizens brace themselves for a war that could spell the end of European civilization. Nothing was entirely predictable or inevitable. The West hoped that Hitler would see sense if they stood firm. Hitler was convinced the West would back down. Moments of uncertainty alternated with those of confrontation; secret intelligence was used by both sides to support their hopes. The one constant feature was the determination of Poland, a country created only in 1919, to protect its newfound independence against a vastly superior enemy. 1939 documents a defining moment in the violent history of the twentieth century.
On August 24, 1939, the world held its collective breath as Hitler and Stalin signed the now infamous nonaggression pact, signaling an imminent invasion of Poland and daring Western Europe to respond.
In this dramatic account of the final days before the outbreak of World War II, award-winning historian Richard Overy vividly chronicles the unraveling of peace, hour by grim hour, as politicians and ordinary citizens brace themselves for a war that could spell the end of European civilization. Nothing was entirely predictable or inevitable. The West hoped that Hitler would see sense if they stood firm. Hitler was convinced the West would back down. Moments of uncertainty alternated with those of confrontation; secret intelligence was used by both sides to support their hopes. The one constant feature was the determination of Poland, a country created only in 1919, to protect its newfound independence against a vastly superior enemy. 1939 documents a defining moment in the violent history of the twentieth century.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author:
Richard Overy is Professor of Modern History at King's College, London. He has written extensively on modern German and European history, and is the author of Russia's War and The Penguin Atlas of the Third Reich.
From AudioFile:
This brief book examines politics and diplomacy leading up to the outbreak of WWII, with a brief look at the initial violence. Simon Prebble's crisp British accent and pleasant, slightly gruff voice fit the no-nonsense reportage and occasional analysis of a dreadfully serious historical moment. The book is brisk, and he keeps it moving but not so quickly that it becomes impossible to track its many people and events. The level of detail actually makes the story more interesting, rather than less so, and Prebble's reading, never showy but clearly and well inflected, supports that interest. This is what listeners of serious nonfiction want: an intelligent book intelligently read. W.M. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherViking
- Publication date2010
- ISBN 10 0670022098
- ISBN 13 9780670022090
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages176
- Rating
Buy New
Learn more about this copy
US$ 19.33
Shipping:
US$ 3.00
Within U.S.A.
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Brand New Copy. Seller Inventory # BBB_new0670022098
Buy New
US$ 19.33
Convert currency
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. Buy with confidence! Book is in new, never-used condition 0.55. Seller Inventory # bk0670022098xvz189zvxnew
Buy New
US$ 25.88
Convert currency
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: New. New! This book is in the same immaculate condition as when it was published 0.55. Seller Inventory # 353-0670022098-new
Buy New
US$ 25.88
Convert currency
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_0670022098
Buy New
US$ 21.91
Convert currency
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. Buy for Great customer experience. Seller Inventory # GoldenDragon0670022098
Buy New
US$ 23.03
Convert currency
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0670022098
Buy New
US$ 26.33
Convert currency
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0670022098
Buy New
US$ 27.35
Convert currency
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0670022098
Buy New
US$ 29.47
Convert currency
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Published by
Viking Adult
(2010)
ISBN 10: 0670022098
ISBN 13: 9780670022090
New
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Brand New. 176 pages. 7.79x5.50x1.00 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # 0670022098
Buy New
US$ 38.43
Convert currency
Stock Image
1939: Countdown to War
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # Abebooks180813
Buy New
US$ 59.00
Convert currency