I enjoy Hanson's writing, and although The Second World Wars languished in my backlog, it exceeded my expectations. I anticipated a dry history of names and dates; instead, I found an analysis of the abstract aspects of warfare and history. Hanson faces criticism for his generalizations—particularly regarding the impact of hoplite warriors—and I question some of his specific analyses in this volume as well.
The book is organized into thematic sections rather than a chronological timeline, covering Air (aircraft and air power), Sea (the navy and maritime strategy), Land (ground forces), People (leadership and personnel), and Tools (production and economics). These divisions allow for a deep comparison of how different powers approached the same logistical and strategic problems. Because this structure highlights the broader mechanics of global conflict, the narrative remains consistently engaging.
Despite those potential flaws, the book is well-researched, well-edited, and approachable. The sections on production capabilities and economics provide the most interesting insights, as these factors are often neglected in political histories. This book is a strong recommendation for anyone interested in global conflict and "total war." 5/5 Stars.
The book is organized into thematic sections rather than a chronological timeline, covering Air (aircraft and air power), Sea (the navy and maritime strategy), Land (ground forces), People (leadership and personnel), and Tools (production and economics). These divisions allow for a deep comparison of how different powers approached the same logistical and strategic problems. Because this structure highlights the broader mechanics of global conflict, the narrative remains consistently engaging.
Despite those potential flaws, the book is well-researched, well-edited, and approachable. The sections on production capabilities and economics provide the most interesting insights, as these factors are often neglected in political histories. This book is a strong recommendation for anyone interested in global conflict and "total war." 5/5 Stars.
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