Bradley Lightbody presents a fascinating and accessible history of the Second World War in its global context. Examining the war around general themes from ambition and advance, through expansion and containment, to rout and victory, The Second World War covers all the major theatres and events of the war.

From the origins and background to the war to its aftermath and legacy, The Second World War covers:

* the pre-war ambitions of Italy, Germany and Japan
* the outbreak of the war in Poland
* the 'Phoney War'
* Blitzkrieg, the Fall of France and...

Bradley Lightbody presents a fascinating and accessible history of the Second World War in its global context. Examining the war around general themes from ambition and advance, through expansion and containment, to rout and victory, The Second World War covers all the major theatres and events of the war.

From the origins and background to the war to its aftermath and legacy, The Second World War covers:

* the pre-war ambitions of Italy, Germany and Japan
* the outbreak of the war in Poland
* the 'Phoney War'
* Blitzkrieg, the Fall of France and...

The Cold War examines the complex arguments which divided East and West following the end of the Second World War, and analyzes its eight major phases, including:

* the emergence of the Cold War
* Coexistence and Detente
* Glasnost in the late 1980s.

Combining factual overview and background discussion of the key issues such as the nuclear threat and who, if anyone, won the Cold War, with analysis of source material, students will find this a must-have in the study of this major historical event.