Douglas Hurd

Douglas Hurd’s books of the year

All Hell Let Loose by Max Hastings. However many books are written about the second world war there will always be room for one more — provided that it is first class. Max Hastings has now established himself in eight separate volumes as a master of this subject. He does not glorify war; indeed through skilful use of eye-witness accounts, his emphasis is on its horrors. No one will regret buying this latest illustration of his skill.

He dwells less on the strategic decisions of those who directed the war and more on the actual fighting as perceived by the civilians who suffered and the soldiers, sailors and airmen who took part. He makes no secret of his belief that in the art of making war the Germans were outstanding. They were finally defeated partly by Hitler’s strategic follies but mainly because in different ways the Americans and Russians brought to bear men and weapons on a scale which the Third Reich could not hope to match.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in