The Second World War ended the Nazi attempt to establish Germany as the dominant power in Europe and the world; and Japan's aim of controlling South East Asia and the Pacific. It also resulted in the creation of two super-powers and led to the Cold War.

A. W. Purdue provides one of the most concise yet comprehensive accounts of the entire course of World War Two, covering both the European and the Asian Pacific conflicts. Thoroughly revised and updated in the light of the latest scholarship, this second edition of an established text:

- Challenges accepted views and reassesses the war, rejecting the simplistic concept of a 'war against fascism'
- Discusses the historiography and critically analyses key themes and issues, as well as examining current debates
- Considers changes in popular attitudes to the Second World War

Ideal for students and general readers alike, this is an essential introduction to the causes, nature and significance of World War Two from the perspective of the twenty-first century.