Outbreak 1939: The World Goes to War - Softcover

Charman, Terry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 075351964X ISBN 13: 9780753519646

Publisher: Virgin Books, 2009

Synopsis

A unique record of an extraordinary year in British history, coinciding with a major exhibition at the Imperial War Museum Published in partnership with the Imperial War Museum to coincide with their major exhibition marking the seventieth anniversary of the outbreak of the war, which will run from late August 2009 - December 2010Book will be trailed after the ITV one-off documentary on 3rd SeptemberIntroduction by Melvyn BraggIncludes personal stories from both regular men and women, and those who were directly involved in the lead up to the declaration of war, including Neville Chamberlain, King George VI and Winston ChurchillFeatures never-before seen black and white and full-color photographs from the Imperial War Museum's collection It is 11:15 am on 3 September 1939. The nation gathers around their radios to hear Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain make the announcement they have feared for months: Britain is at war with Germany. Seventy years on from that historic day, this is the definitive history of the build-up to, outbreak and first few months of World War Two, from the events of early 1939, right through to the first war-time Christmas. Drawing on the Imperial War Museum's extensive archives, this book will feature the personal stories of real men and women who lived through the startling events of that year, as well as those who were actively involved in the political negotiations and their aftermath. Featuring numerous photographs and the voices of key players, as well as contributions from well-known figures who were directly affected by the build up to and outbreak of war, this will be a unique document of an extraordinary year in our history.

About this title

About the Author:

Terry Charman is the senior historian at the Imperial War Museum, where he has worked since 1974. He is a frequent lecturer on the First and Second World Wars and has contributed to magazines and journals on a range of subjects. He has also worked as a consultant for a wide range of publications and has appeared on and been associated with numerous documentaries, television, and radio programs and films, including Foyle's War and Schindler's List. He is the author of The German Home Front 1939-1945.

Review:

"A compelling new book" * Telegraph * "A compelling new book based on diaries and eye-witness accounts" * Daily Mail * "Weaves together the memories of those who were intimately involved in the politics and planning of war and those so-called ordinary men and women who would also bear its privations and dangers for nearly six years" * History Today * "Gas-proof dog kennels, fines for striking matches, intimate liaisons in the blackout - the Home Front vividly recalled by ordinary Britons" * Daily Mail *

About this edition

• Publisher: Virgin Books
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 075351964X
• ISBN 13: 9780753519646
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 446