Vandiver, Frank E. 1001 things everyone should know about World War II

Kliatt, Sept, 2003 by John E. Boyd

Random House, Broadway. 260p. illus. maps. index. c2002. 0-7679-0584-9. $15.95. JSA

There seems to be lists of almost anything imaginable here, from animals to zoos. It is doubtful that everyone would agree that all the items in this book are the most important "things" about WW 11 but they are interesting. For example, "quisling" appears in the dictionary as a synonym for traitor. Why? Because Vidkun Quisling sold out Norway to the Germans early in the war. Not earth shattering but interesting, and an example of how words get added to the language. For the most part, the author provides a detached, unbiased look at the war. Allied and Axis generals are treated as military strategists who, at times, err in judgment and sometimes are in conflict with their own governments. Many interesting insights and details are brought to the surface (e.g., Eisenhower had written a speech to use in case D-Day failed).

To get a quick idea of what is contained in the book, all the potential reader has to do is examine the Table of Contents. The chapters are arranged chronologically (1939-1946) and each one is subdivided into sections (e.g., United States, Germany, Japan). Some sections appear in each chapter while others (e.g., Propaganda, Diplomacy) appear only once. The war is presented in a detailed, well-organized manner, augmented by pictures, maps, and insets of songs, speeches, direct quotes, and so forth. Each of the 1001 things is reported in no more than a few paragraphs in a straightforward, readable text. Some words may be difficult to pronounce but they will not interfere with meaning. This will appeal to students of WW II and it will catch the interest of reluctant readers. Prof. John E. Boyd, Jenkintown, PA