From Pearl Harbor to V-J Day: The American Armed Forces in World War II

The authors focus on the big picture in this handy one-volume history. The fast-moving narrative covers all theaters in which American forces were involved and assesses the way campaigns were directed by U.S. generals and admirals. The comparison between the Axis and the Allies emphasizes the tenuousness of the partnership among Germany, Italy and Japan and the strength of the Anglo-American alliance, which, as they clearly show, was superior in military intelligence, strategy and logistics. James (The Years of MacArthur) and Wells describe the effects of the war on the home front and the shadow it cast over the nation's future. A final section discusses the romanticized hindsight view of the war and suggests that it is time for the Good War myth to be laid to rest. James is professor of military history at Virginia Military Institute. Wells is editor of World War Two Studies Association Newsletter. (Mar.)