title: World War II: A 50th Anniversary History
author: Associated Press
description: YA-- The 50th anniversary has sparked the publication of several new histories of World War II. This one has particular interest because key personalities have been detailed, giving their motivations and strategies and stressing their importance to the war effort. The realities of the war and a humanistic view of its participants are effectively and concisely conveyed, with specific facets highlighted in sidebars. The numerous black-and-white photographs are well chosen and add interest to the text. An index is provided, but it is not comprehensive, a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent history. Recommended for researchers and those interested in the subject. --Karl Penny, formerly at Houston Public Library<br />Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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  Introduction
  
  
  World War II was the largest and most violent armed conflict in the history of
  mankind. However, the half century that now separates us from that conflict
  has exacted its toll on our collective knowledge.
  
  
  While World War II continues to absorb the interest of military scholars and
  historians, as well as its veterans, a generation of Americans has grown to
  maturity largely unaware of the political, social, and military implications
  of a war that, more than any other, united us as a people with a common
  purpose.
  
  
  Highly relevant today, World War II has much to teach us, not only about the
  profession of arms, but also about military preparedness, global strategy, and
  combined operations in the coalition war against fascism. During the next
  several years, the U.S. Army will participate in the nation’s 50th anniversary
  commemoration of World War II. The commemoration will include the publication
  of various materials to help educate Am