List of introductory books for World War 2

by xertion123

I've just finished about 2500 pages about The Great War and I've also finished Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" to get a decent understanding on what was going on before the Second World War started.

Now I'm eager to get into World War 2 and I'm considering different books to get me started and I'd be happy to get some recommendations.

The ones I'm considering at the moment is:

  • The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer
  • Hitler's War by David Irving
  • The Origins of the Second World War by A.J.P Taylor

Anyone willing to recommend those books? If not, have any other suggestions for book to introduce and give a general understanding of the war?

I'm mostly interested in the politics of it all, not necessary details of the battles. For example, I want the book to mention things such as Danzig's Demography to give the reader an understanding of WHY Germany felt they had the right to "liberate" it. I'm mostly interested in the REASONS for the war.

commiespaceinvader

The books you are considering are not really the best choices in my opinion.

Shirer is outdated and very problematic in certain aspects. Irving is a hack and Holocaust denier and his tendencies start in that book. And Taylor, while good for his time, is also very much outdated.

I'd recommend to you Richard Evans' Third Reich trilogy, which is up to current academic standards and a really good introduction that is written for the average reader.

You can also peruse our Book List for more suggestions.