Professor Richard Overy

Exeter History professor launches World War II book for a new generation

University of Exeter historian, Professor Richard Overy introduces his latest work, The Oxford Illustrated History of World War Two at the Churchill (Cabinet) War Rooms at the Imperial War Museum in London. Professor Overy’s latest edited book, launched today, features essays written by leading and distinguished historians, accompanied by a series of illustrations.

The Oxford Illustrated History of World War II re-evaluates World War II for a new generation. The book examines one of the most horrific conflicts in human history from a contemporary point-of-view not only in terms of Allied response but also from the perspective of the Axis aggressor states. Edited by Professor Overy, this compelling and insightful book discusses and explores the genesis of war, the major theatres of conflict, the economics of total war, the fighting power of the combatants, genocide, the culture of war, and the experience of war for both combatants and civilians.

He said, "The illustrated history of World War II gives an opportunity to highlight the new perspectives that historians are developing on the narrative of the wartime experience. It has been an exciting challenge to produce a book that is academically rigorous but which speaks to a wider public audience."

Professor Overy has written extensively on the Second World War, including titles such as Why the Allies Won (1995) and the prize-winning Dictators: Hitler's Germany and Stalin's Russia (2004). His most recent book is The Bombing War: Europe 1939-1945 (2013), which won a Cundill Award in 2014 and was shortlisted for major international awards.

For more information about Professor Overy’s latest publication, please visit the Oxford University Press website.

Date: 9 April 2015

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