The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945

Following in the tradition his previous books on the Civil War, Jazz, and Baseball, Ken Burns has written another compelling and informative volume, this time on the Second World War. This book is loaded with photographs, maps, and testimonials from civilians and service people alike. It encompasses both the European and Pacific theaters of war, as well as the home front. The narrative is rich and easy to read, and the photographs show just what it was like to be in battle or work on an assembly line back home. The personal accounts from the front add an element of actually being in the fighting to the book. Of particular interest to me was the story of the Army's 442nd infantry. This unit was composed entirely of Japanese-Americans who fought in the European theater. Other points of interest include an informative section on the movement of Japanese-Americans to relocation camps inside the United States, war bond drives conducted throughout the war, and, mainly, the brutality of combat in both the European and Pacific theaters. I've read Burns' books on Baseball and the Civil War, and I've seen the companion video series to them as well. Burns has a knack for bringing out the "human" side to a particular event or situation, and he maintains this quality with the personal stories and historical narrative contained in this book. The excellent photographs and maps add a true sense of what it was really like at home and overseas during World War II. I give this fine book my highest recommendation. Ken Burns has written a terrific piece of military history which will remain a staple of the genre for years to come. This book is a must read for World War II readers.

WWII as seen through four families in four different towns of the US. Beautifully written. Provides the background of how the US really was changed by WWII from a rather provincial country to one in which ordinary citizens learned about places in Europe and Asia they had never previously heard. It also shows the incredible sacrifice of America's young people during that war, many of them in their teens and early 20ies...

Seen the doc when it came out, and just seen new doc from ken burns.so I order both. this book is very detail and goes with doc great photos if u are ex military or war in history it is a must.

Every American alive today needs to read this book and others like it, lest we forget the toll war takes on those who fight, as well as those who wait for them and the innocents destroyed on all fronts. It is graphic and at times very upsetting. As in "The Civil War," Burns and Ward illustrate the suffering in detail, and give the reader a "warts and all" look at the commanders, whose egos and personal needs at times led to needless loss of lives. If you know someone who lived through The War, you owe it to yourself and to his/her memory to read this book.

The first chapter of this book brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes I feel WWII is removed from my generation, reserved to memories of our grandparents and media like Band of Brothers and Call of Duty. My grandpa served and this book was a way for me to ever so slightly understand what he experienced and what the world was like in those days. When I see it I think of him and countless like him; may we never forget what they endured and accomplished. Highly recommend.

I probably own and have read upwards of 60 books on military history. Some 30 plus are on WWII. Of those many many photos and quotes are repeated either by direct printing or reference. This book is unique as was the TV series containing several 'different' images and interviews with the 'common' soldier. It was interesting to see 'how things were' stateside and how resources were prioritized for a two front war. The book was also handy as a reference to details one might have missed while watching the series.

The War is the Ken Burns treatment of WW2 that we've all been waiting for since his spectacular civil war series. It treats the twentieth century's most significant event in a very rational way, looking at the war's effect on individual people. It tells the story of a dehumaizing catastrophe in a very humane, sensitive manner. Bravo! For another look at the courage and perseverance of common people caught up in the ravages of war check out,

My husband is an avid WWII buff and has read numerous books on the subject including all of Stephen Ambrose's, which he swears are the best. Having been to Normandy twice in the past 5 years he feels as though he has walked through many of the situations described in the book. If you liked the DVD, you will love this book. Every WWII buff will love this book!

I found this book captivating in every respect. Written from close personal accounts from several different towns in the US, the reader gets a perspective like nothing I've read before. Not knowing very much about the War in the South Pacific, or the intimate details of the imprisoned in Manila, I found the accounts poignant, heartbreaking, and gratifying.

After seeing "The World at War" and the Time-Life Series of WW2, I thought I had seen the most significant documentaries of the War. But this production is incredible in its technique of following the lives of the three men and their families through those horrible years. The way the music is chosen and interlaced with the mood of the scene at an instant in time is brilliant. At times it's hard to breathe or hold back tears. This documentary is truly a work of genius.

Following in the tradition his previous books on the Civil War, Jazz, and Baseball, Ken Burns has written another compelling and informative volume, this time on the Second World War. This book is loaded with photographs, maps, and testimonials from civilians and service people alike. It encompasses both the European and Pacific theaters of war, as well as the home front. The narrative is rich and easy to read, and the photographs show just what it was like to be in battle or work on an assembly line back home. The personal accounts from the front add an element of actually being in the fighting to the book. Of particular interest to me was the story of the Army's 442nd infantry. This unit was composed entirely of Japanese-Americans who fought in the European theater. Other points of interest include an informative section on the movement of Japanese-Americans to relocation camps inside the United States, war bond drives conducted throughout the war, and, mainly, the brutality of combat in both the European and Pacific theaters. I've read Burns' books on Baseball and the Civil War, and I've seen the companion video series to them as well. Burns has a knack for bringing out the "human" side to a particular event or situation, and he maintains this quality with the personal stories and historical narrative contained in this book. The excellent photographs and maps add a true sense of what it was really like at home and overseas during World War II. I give this fine book my highest recommendation. Ken Burns has written a terrific piece of military history which will remain a staple of the genre for years to come. This book is a must read for World War II readers.

WWII as seen through four families in four different towns of the US. Beautifully written. Provides the background of how the US really was changed by WWII from a rather provincial country to one in which ordinary citizens learned about places in Europe and Asia they had never previously heard. It also shows the incredible sacrifice of America's young people during that war, many of them in their teens and early 20ies...

Seen the doc when it came out, and just seen new doc from ken burns.so I order both. this book is very detail and goes with doc great photos if u are ex military or war in history it is a must.

Every American alive today needs to read this book and others like it, lest we forget the toll war takes on those who fight, as well as those who wait for them and the innocents destroyed on all fronts. It is graphic and at times very upsetting. As in "The Civil War," Burns and Ward illustrate the suffering in detail, and give the reader a "warts and all" look at the commanders, whose egos and personal needs at times led to needless loss of lives. If you know someone who lived through The War, you owe it to yourself and to his/her memory to read this book.

The first chapter of this book brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes I feel WWII is removed from my generation, reserved to memories of our grandparents and media like Band of Brothers and Call of Duty. My grandpa served and this book was a way for me to ever so slightly understand what he experienced and what the world was like in those days. When I see it I think of him and countless like him; may we never forget what they endured and accomplished. Highly recommend.

I probably own and have read upwards of 60 books on military history. Some 30 plus are on WWII. Of those many many photos and quotes are repeated either by direct printing or reference. This book is unique as was the TV series containing several 'different' images and interviews with the 'common' soldier. It was interesting to see 'how things were' stateside and how resources were prioritized for a two front war. The book was also handy as a reference to details one might have missed while watching the series.

The War is the Ken Burns treatment of WW2 that we've all been waiting for since his spectacular civil war series. It treats the twentieth century's most significant event in a very rational way, looking at the war's effect on individual people. It tells the story of a dehumaizing catastrophe in a very humane, sensitive manner. Bravo! For another look at the courage and perseverance of common people caught up in the ravages of war check out,

My husband is an avid WWII buff and has read numerous books on the subject including all of Stephen Ambrose's, which he swears are the best. Having been to Normandy twice in the past 5 years he feels as though he has walked through many of the situations described in the book. If you liked the DVD, you will love this book. Every WWII buff will love this book!

I found this book captivating in every respect. Written from close personal accounts from several different towns in the US, the reader gets a perspective like nothing I've read before. Not knowing very much about the War in the South Pacific, or the intimate details of the imprisoned in Manila, I found the accounts poignant, heartbreaking, and gratifying.

After seeing "The World at War" and the Time-Life Series of WW2, I thought I had seen the most significant documentaries of the War. But this production is incredible in its technique of following the lives of the three men and their families through those horrible years. The way the music is chosen and interlaced with the mood of the scene at an instant in time is brilliant. At times it's hard to breathe or hold back tears. This documentary is truly a work of genius.

Got the audio book to listen to in my car after enjoying the DVD series when it was first released. I enjoy all of Ken Burns releases and this audio story of the impact of WWII on the lives of multiple families across our great country was inspiring to me as it was when I first saw the DVD.

I got this book as a gift for my little brother who is a world war II buff. I like history but never really found a history book that drew me in, until this one. This book is just amazing by being in depth with so many facts that I never knew. I was really impressed how he took the whole war and showed how it directly affected individuals from differetn groups through actual stories. Even my little brother loved the book citing some facts and viewpoints he had not heard before. A very fresh and entertaining book. Well worth the investment for a moderate to extreme history person.

An amazing book and an amazing documentary, buy both if you can. Well worth the price.

This was purchased as a gift for a 90 yr. who served in WWll. I am assuming the genius of Ken of the author's videos will be as interesting in book form.

We watched every minute of the TV Production. This book is a great followup to the series. We are glad we have it. Having grown up during World War II it brought back many memories to share with others. Ken Burns is to be congratulated for his efforts in preserving memories for all those who lived through that period.

This is a history of WWII from the common man and their families not from the officers view. It gives you insights into what the families and the guys doing the everyday fighting were going through. It is a must watch for anybody interested in WWII

I bought this book for my husband for Husband for Valentines Day. He loves the book

Very well written and illustrated

My husband loves his book. It has so many wonderful details. It's evident much research and work went into this project. As World War History enthusist, we were very grateful for the time and energy expended to produce such a needed work.

real good book great stories

This is a great book and DVD too (I bought both) If you are interested in history and/or WWII then this is the collection to get. It is very broad and expansive in its perspective and does a very good job of presenting many aspects of the war to end all wars...

Top of the self reading

Depressing because its real. lets not do it again.

good

we are fans of Ken Burns documentaries, and were glad to find this on amazon at a good price.

This is a great product alone but more complete with the PBS DVDs. This was bought for a WWII war buff and he is more than happy with the book. Highly recommended.

I purchased this book because my father loves the TV special and watches it every year on PBS. The book is very well done, and I think he's going to enjoy it. The pictures and maps are great, and the book itself is interesting and informative. I recommend this for anyone who is interested in WWII.

would highly recommend.

This was a gift for one of our sons-in-law, and he loved it.

This was really a great book. My dad was in The War and I got it for him. He loved it

I bought this as a gift for my dad, a WWII veteran. He has really enjoyed going through this book. As usual, Burns has done a good job.

Awesome book

Saw a few random episodes on PBS and knew right away it was something I must have. As with "Baseball" by Ken Burns, the companion book is excellent.

Like new book. Great price

This was a gift for my father, a HUGE history buff and Veteran of the Navy. He spent two tours in Vietnam. Perfect gift for him, he loved it.

Purchased this for my nephew Christmas gift. He loved it. I looked at it and the pictures are amazing.

This is a book that is for the man or woman who loves to read and learn about the history of any war. This is a great Christmas gift that will keep him busy for hours.

Great book and excellent as a gift for someone who loves history. I spent a month reading a little everyday and could not wait to get back to it. Sent it to my Dad and he loved it. Good Stuff!!!!! Thanks Amazon

If you like WWII history, this book is for you. Makes a great coffee table book.

Great book to go along with vidio.I have read over 25 books and seen over 20 videos and these are by far the best on WWII.

Another good insight into a period of history we should never turn away from. Lessons abound.

outstanding look at the human side of war. Excellent work based upon Ken Burns series. If you want to try to understand the human side of this war I believe that this is a great place to start.

I bought this for my son as a gift. He never told me anything about it so I can not truthfully write a good or bad review.

My wife's grandfather passed away a couple weeks ago. He was 90 years old and served in the Navy during WWII, but until recently the family hadn't known anything about his service. When my son interviewed him for a school project he talked about driving landing craft boats loaded with Marines toward beaches under enemy fire. His goal was to get them as close to shore as possible so they didn't have to wade through more water than necessary giving them a better chance of reaching the beach alive, before rushing back for another load of men. He quietly mentioned the bullets that whizzed by and clanged against the metal of the boat, but said that he wasn't a hero - the men who didn't come home were the real heroes to him. While listening to this audiobook it was hard to hear of the wartime experiences, whether in Europe or the Pacific. The parts where it described what it was like as those landing boats unloaded soldiers were enough to bring a lump to your throat. My own grandfather, who died before I was born, was a Marine who (I'm told) saw a lot of action in the Pacific, including the Iwo Jima invasion. I have since requested his service records online so I can learn a little more about his life during the war - something my grandmother says he suffered terrible nightmares from for the rest of his life. He never spoke of his experiences, either. The introduction of this book says that many people today have a profound misunderstanding of WWII and speaks of the need for this kind of information to be remembered. I agree. And I think all those heroes - both those who died and those who lived to come home - need to be remembered and honored for their sacrifices. The book is from the perspective of the men in the trenches and mentions a lot of the mistakes that cost lives and the focus is particularly on the 'ugliness of war'; the obvious and not so obvious casualties. The information isn't always pleasant to hear (I thought I could hear the reader's voice almost cracking more than once), but it gives the reader or listener a greater appreciation for those who served. It helps to explain the patriotism my wife's grandfather and many others instilled in their families. It helps to remind us to be thankful.

Ken Burns seems to pick his projects with more heart than many documentarians, and always brings something special to the work. "The War" is even more unique than usual. This is a must read book and if possible the PBS series (or DVD) should be viewed to be even more fully appreciated. "The War" is not narrated by generals or politicians but told from the viewpoint of the common soldier and the sense of purpose they brought to the project is striking. The homefront is given a large part, and that too adds to the specialness of the documentary. The melding of the two theaters of conflict, the homefront efforts and the honesty with which it is told raises it above the average war story. Those of us whose fathers (uncles, grandfathers, etal,) went off to war as foot soldiers - my father spent 34 consecutive months in the Pacific theater in places like Guadacanal, Leyte Gulf, Mindinao and Tarawa and never talked about it, and he passed in 1996 without our ever knowing what he knew and it haunts us. We are told that every day 1000 veterans pass and their experiences are going with them. This records some of them for posterity. Ken Burns has brought back some of the "reality" of war without the glamor, and that is what war is: horrible, dirty, painful, frightening and sheer chaos. WWII was perhaps a necessary war, but it can never again be said it was a good war. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who worked researching, interviewing and putting together this project before it fades even more. Some critics feel that it is not complete, or that the repeated use (in the videos) of repeat footage took something away, but seen as it is there is still so much we never knew, and still more we no doubt will never know, but that is history, sometimes glamorized, sometimes re-written but seldom "real." "The War", for any real or imagined flaws is unique and full of truths, and visions that define the horrible uselessness of war, all war, necessary and those that are not is all examined here.

Ken Burns' "The War" dramatically communicates the intensity and savagery of WWII. This includes the sacrifices, worries, and involvement by civilians (fortunately much less in the U.S., but impressive here nonetheless), as well as those on the front lines. One also gets a sense of how lucky America was, having to throw our almost non-existent military immediately into total conflict against fully mobilized Japan, Germany, and Italy - yet managing to hold on until our military could be built up. And then there is also the incredible story of how our industrial resources (factories, design and planning skills, workers) combined to produce the countless planes, rifles, tanks, ships, and other armaments necessary for those on the front lines to overcome the enemy. WWII took place in thousands of locations, and involved millions of contributors' stories. "The War" tells it's story primarily through a limited number of individuals coming from four small towns across America in Alabama, California, Connecticut, and Minnesota. The focus is on "regular people," not the high level generals and political leaders. Both the narrative and photos are compelling. Readers become haunted by a number of tragic questions: Why didn't Germany (Hitler) give up when it was obvious they would lose and were subjecting civilians to massive fire-bombing casualties? Similarly, why did the Japanese choose to organize a massive "fight to the bitter end" civilian defense of Japan, despite enormous fire-bombing losses and the almost total loss of their former armed might? Why were some incompetent American generals not relieved? Readers also learn that Hitler had people training to administer America, Germans had much better winter uniforms (warmer, and better camouflaged - a shortcoming that would be repeated in the Korean War vs. the Chinese), and experience the horror of Japanese POW and civilian internment status. In addition, "The War" provides factual perspectives supporting the controversial decision to use atomic bombs on Japan: 1)The Japanese usually fought to the last man, rarely surrendering. 2)Preparations were beginning on the mainland to do likewise, involving civilians as well as the military. 3)Estimated U.S. casualties from invading Japan were 500,000. As one of the participants aptly phrased it, "We (were) all casualties" in WWII - even those not wounded and those at home. The WWII generation is fast fading from the scene. We owe an enormous debt to them for their sacrifices and achievements, and to Ken Burns as well for reminding us of what was required and contributed.

It was as if Ken Burns work on Baseball and The Civil War were almost warmups for this ambitious project, both the documentary and the companion book. This book "speaks" to the reader in a way few such works ever do, engaging and encompassing in a way that eases one into the most tragic period in human history. It is easy to start thinking of the men and women profiled as old friends, distant relatives, neighbors down the street, your buddy's older brother and your aunt's friend from church, and that is exactly who they are. By focusing on the individual, the family, the neighborhood and the town the bigger picture of the war becomes less overwhelming yet more real and terrifying. A liberal dose of well-placed and poignant photographs add yet another layer of depth to the stories in the book. The writing is warm yet factual and straightforward. See the documentary first and then read the book, just the opposite advice I would give for most film/book combinations. The book, like the war and the documentary, is an epic and rising through the unimaginable and unspeakable tragedy of it all, comes a faith and hope about the best in humanity. A definite library keeper and a work that should be required reading in every high school history class in America. Steven Bustin, Author: Humble Heroes, How The USS Nashville CL43 Fought WWII.

Ken Burns and Geoffrey Ward have done it again with "The War." This handsome companion volume to the acclaimed PBS mini-series is a testament to the people who served, witnessed, and lived through World War II- both in Europe and the Pacific. Burns focuses, in particular, on the people of four diverse American cities and how their lives intersected with the War. Included in this survey are firsthand accounts from soldiers, civilians, prisoners of war, and people back on the homefront. This over-sized companion volume is an excellent supplement, complete with a well-written prose narrative; ample full-color and b & w photos, maps and diagrams. Ward and Burns adeptly tie the powerful individual stories of those who were there into the greater historical narrative of the major events and turning points in the war. This volume is a must-have for anyone interested in history, or in the stories of those who lived through it. Highly recommended!

Without any doubt, The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945 by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns is a worthwhile read in and of itself. That the book is a companion to one of Burns' documentaries is even better. Like other reviewers I am a huge fan of Ward and Burns having purchased and read the companions to the Jazz and Baseball programs. The War is organized roughly chronologically. It focuses on four towns and four families and four veterans and tells the story of the war through their stories. There are interesting explorations of ancillary subjects, but the book always comes back to the same pattern. Written for the average person, The War is sure to add to the pleasure of the television program. I have it on my lap while I'm watching The War on television. This is a worthy addition to your personal libraries.

What sets this book apart from most personal accounts of WW2 is the brutal frankness with which it goes in to detail about the cruelty and the horrors of the war. Unlike so many other history books which sanitize war for our delicate senses, this book has made a brave gesture by giving us an honest glimpse of the often gruesome, terrible events that our fellow Americans went through...including exposing their own in-humanity towards our enemies, which is something we don't often hear too much about in this country. The victors usually paint themselves as puritans, lest they be judged the equal of the vanquished. But the point of Burns book is not to vilify our country, or certain individuals (brutality and unimaginable cruelty were not foreign to either side), but rather Burns seeks to make the point that ALL wars are barbaric. And even when wars have to be fought (as WW2 truly did), it is important for those who were lucky enough NOT to have had to experience the horrors of the war, to at least understand a little bit better what was asked of the ones who did. It was a LOT to ask. With his "no-holds-barred" approach to this documentary, Burns has given us fresh insight in to what those who fought in the war already know, as a result of their experiences in seeing humanity at it's worst; War should be avoided by the greatest of efforts, whenever possible.

The main attraction of this companion volume to the blockbuster PBS program is that it allows its readers time to linger over the photographs it displays within it, both new ones and those shown in the series, and thereby gives them time to discover details that might have eluded the eye on the televised version. By reading over the accompanying text the public will find this to be much more than a picture book or a re-hashing of the Burns' broadcast. Included are many harrowing and heartfelt first-hand accounts given by those who stand as living links to the most catastrophic and world-changing event of the millennium just past. I found The War: An Intimate History a compelling testament to the true nature of the ill-dubbed "last good war" and hope it finds its way to many homes and libraries in America and beyond.

Interesting look at a scary time in the history of the world. I don't usually listen to historical non-fiction. Overall, I'd say it was a decent thing to listen to, but I'm not sure how much I actually learned. It follows letters and journal entries of several different people, including a young girl in an internment camp, a POW, and a newspaperman. It was a little confusing because it tried to balance bouncing back and forth between describing the Pacific war and the war in Europe. While both were certainly part of WWII, you'd just get used to one set of names and they're thowing a whole string of different names at you. Still, it was still a neat experience. The narrators do a decent job of bringing the account to life.

It really is the greatest book I have ever read. I am 93 now. For four years the WAR was all that was happening. My fiancé Jack Entrican was killed on Pearl Harbor Day on the U.S.S. CALIFORNIA. Another close boy friend was Harry Davis. He was at my house often. He left for England and I did not hear from him again. One day my mother went to a tea. A lady there approached my mother and said, "Are you the mother of June McCulloch?. When she said, yes, Mrs Davis said, "My son who was often at your house. He was killed on D-- Day on Omaha Beach." I then wanted to learn everything I could about Omaha Beach (in France). It was the worst of the beach heads on |D-Day. The WAR told all about it. One day I met up with a former high school chum. He had lost his arm. He said he was on the Island Guadalcanal in the Pacific. He was on a hill. He looked up and saw a bomber's Bombay doors open up. The bomb came down. He was rescued, but he lost his arm. Another high school friend met up with me in downtown Minneapolis. He was shot through the mouth. He said if I could find someone to go over there for him, he could stay home. I was unable to do that. I met and married Bill Burns as we attended the University of Minnesota. He was sent to the European Theater. After fighting with Patton's Army as they worked their way up the Rhine they crossed over into Germany. Peace with Germany was soon declared. Patton had his soldiers view the Concentration camps. The boys became enraged at what they saw. Patton said, "This is what you were fighting for." .The War with Japan was not yet won. After the Atomic Bomb was sent, P eace with Japan was declared. Another boy friend, J,ack Kline, from our jolly days on the Minnesota farm, was sent to Island of Guam. He was killed by a Japanese soldier in a tree after Peace was declared. People my age vividly remember all of this. "The book " The WAR" gives history in marvelous detail.

I have read several of Geoffrey C Wards books, specifically his companion books to the Jazz, Mark Twain and Baseball documentaries but I have to say Mr Ward has outdone himself here. He has refined his writing style and more than ever clearly and concisely tells a story while blending it seamlessly into a historical context. He puts a human face on the past making it very real and vivid for the reader. This book tells the story of 4 American cities and their citizenry and how they weathered WWII. It is a page turner. There were numerous photos I had never seen before which add immeasurably to reading experience. I cannot wait to see the show on PBS. Ward, with an assist from Ken Burns, has penned (computered?) another great read.

I am a big fan of the works of Ken Burns. I am so pleased that Ken Burns set his sights on World War II. Those that participated and survived and those who waited for them at home are leaving us daily. His bottoms up view of WWII helps us appreciate that our parents and grandparents were the heros of that war. The served selflessly. Their stories are important to tell. They made up the fabric of America. To honor them by remembering what they did is important to our history. Please consider visiting the Veterans History Project website and honoring your loved one. Please make the effort to honor and remember the stories of those WWII Americans still alive and those fallen heroes who did not return. Mr. Burns' book tells the stories of ordinary Americans. I highly recommend this book! Sincerely, Bob Korkuc, author

Very elaborate and a bit confusing material - but most importantly: this book is way too expensive. There are better books about WWII on the market for less than half this price!

The photographs alone are worth the price of this book, covering all theaters of war, all branches of the service, and the american homefront. I have seen many of these photographs published in other books, and many I have not see before, but to have them all in one book is something special. The illustrations are also well done. The writing is powerful, easy to read and easy to understand. From an account of a man who was 17 years-old and living near Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941; to Ernie Pyle walking on the beach after D-Day, looking at items left behind by the dead - stationary that would never be written upon, or photographs looking up from the sand. The book itself is a heavy, handsome hardcover. It would make an excellent addition to anyone's personal library. I highly recommend it.

I listened to the audio version while driving and found it excellent. I have read MANY WWII histories. One of my favorite types is the story of the common man. This is one such book. I found a few suspect conclusions stated without support, but generally found the book accurate. The general approach was to look at the war from the perspective of four different cities in the US. I liked the idea, but it was a little bit difficult to follow when the a story shifted among the four. The fact that the book was often depressing I found to be an indication that the book had met it's goal of telling a realistic story. ALL wars are depressing.

World War II is an obvious choice for Burns. But this story is vast, no one can retell all of it. Smartly, Burns limits the story to the perspective of four cities, thus giving his story focus. Don't expect an overview of the entire war, but what Burns collects here is compelling and fascinating. And as always with Burns, the pictures tell a large part of the story. Steve Wiggins, author of "Streets of Warsaw"

In addition to the Civil War CD set, This one on World War Two is it's, counter part in EVERY way! VERY well done, produced, and everything else, it is a MUST HAVE for ANY History buff or anyone who had a relative in the war. I can't say enough good things about it!

If you should listen to this audiobook on public transportation, please be advised that you should have plenty of tissues. (personal experience) This is not a full-bodied history of the war, but it outlines the major developments of the war in the words of many Americans who lived it on the front. (So it is a good supplement to a study of World War II.) It is graphic at times. It is sobering.(As is war.) When my children are old enough, I will encourage them to read/watch/listen to this so they can begin to understand the individual sacrifice the war required. The audiobook is very well done.

Very hard to say anything that would do justice to this extraordinary book about what is justly referred to as The War. I will not try. But this should be required reading for every student in this nation -- for all time.

Started watching the dvd set a few days ago and couldn't stop watching it until I saw the next one. An absolute educational piece along with a great mixture of stories involving 4 U.S. towns in the U.S. and testimonies from veterans and relatives of those veterans. This set was so great that the only setback to it was that it wasn't long enough, but this is usual for Ken Burn's work. His work is so detailed and fantastic that it makes you just want more. This piece is perfect for the education of youngsters in school who do not know the history of this country and how it united during that time period and how one man's lust for power and desire to conquer the world displayed the ultimate display of evil that had to be stopped and was at God's will...

Truly a great book written more about the more personal contacts with dealings of World War Two. Very informative and intimate feelings with a number of families and people. Was a little disappointed in the fact that other World War Two books dealt more with facts and day by day excursions with each Company; where they were, who were fighting, what exactly was going on and when. Whereas this book seemed to take on a more personal level with certain individuals and follow their activities. All in all it was still very informative and interesting reading.

History captured in photo's and a complete over view of the war from '41-'45. Great coffee table book anyone would appreciate ! Mine is on my table. Give a copy to a youngster and let them see and understand what our men and allies fought for, and what is still worth fighting for. Freedom.

Another remarkable achievement by Ken Burns. This is a compelling and insightful examination of the impact of war at the basic human level. We see both soldiers and the families they leave behind impacted by war in a way which is vitally important so that we don't forget. It is obviously written from the American perspective which is natural for an American historian of Burns' repute. For another equally compelling glimpse of the impact of war on common people, but with a broader, European aspect, I would highly recommend the just released,

It's easy to set the wrong expectations about `The War: An Intimate History 1941-1945' by Geoffrey C Ward and Ken Burns. These two men collaborated on the companion book to their documentary of the Civil War. Naturally, one would expect something similar to their effort about World War Two. `This story is different, told almost exclusively from the perspective of those who did the actual fighting and dying, as well as those back home.' Gone are the explanations from academics, scholars, and military historians who can place the battle in a historical context. Instead, the story here is the memory of those who served, shaped by their fifty years of living since they were on the battlefield. There are also stories from people at home who may not have put on a uniform, but they still contributed to the war effort. They rationed food, bought war bonds, observed blackouts, and sent letters to uplift the spirits of those in battle. Specific details are provided for four typical American cities: Sacramento (CA), Mobile (AL), Waterbury (CT), and Luverne (MN). There is an inside story from the Santo Thomas Internment Camp, where the Japanese detained many Americans who were living in the Philippines after Japan declared War on the United States, and captured the Philippine Islands. Of course, most of the inside stories are from the battle lines. It's remarkable that Burns was able to find someone with memories of just about every major battle during the war. While reading the story, it felt as though there was something missing. For example, I had watched `The Longest Day' and read an illustrated history of D-Day about a year ago, and the explanation of it here seemed flat. They missed the landing at Point du Hoc, and when they mentioned the place later in the story, they misspelled it. While I was looking for something more historically detailed, this book gave me the emotions, sixty years later and left out a lot of details that we could have been reminded of. Given the popularity of the book, others didn't feel that way. Still, I have to be true to how I feel, and this book was not the best historical look back on the American involvement in World War II.

Oh my goodness, this is the best audio CD one could possibly have in their collection! It's read clearly and with perfect form and emotion. Any WWII buff or veteran will want this. Would make a great gift. Mine did!

This book is a fantastic choice for anyone who is interested in WWII. By focusing on a small handful of American towns during the war it allows the reader to penetrate the time gap and really become absorbed in the intimacy of the war in daily life. I gave this book to my brother for Christmas and he truly enjoys it. The collection of photography is wonderful and when you're finished reading the book it lends itself into an intriguing coffee table book!! A great buy!

WWII was an occassional topic at the dinner table at my Grandparents house so I've always wanted to learn more about it. The view from the various Hometown, USA was terrific. A perfect way to go about telling the story of the War. This book is filled with photos and text that will take you there. It should be on every American's bookshelf.

this book is a must have for anyone who likes history.... or not. I got it for my dad because he loves history, I dont, but when I looked at this book I was very interested in it. The pictures alone are worth the money!

Instead of a full book review, this is a response to one reviewer's notion about the US's role in World War II. It should bob up to the surface, I thought, rather than lie submerged as a comment, since such misconceptions are surprisingly widespread in some circles. I certainly wouldn't suggest, however, that this book's current authors are so misguided: quite the contrary. First, note the dates in the book's subtitle: it's strictly about the US's involvement. Also, it focuses on photographs of the war, so it concentrates on the Pacific theater and on the later stages of the European war, such as the liberation of concentration and extermination camps - thereby graphically confirming several points I make below. Some basic facts should help to correct the sword-in-hand notion by Mr Eskildson ("Pragmatist") about "...how lucky America was [upon entering WWII, at], having to throw our almost non-existent military immediately into total conflict against fully mobilized Japan, Germany, and Italy - yet managing to hold on until our military could be built up." Note the bald contradiction lurking in the spine-tingling talk: throw non-existent military immediately into total conflict YET managing to hold on until that military was built up? Surely as we watch these claims collide we must slam on the brakes. Everyone should by now know that .others. did that holding on, and at a great price, while the US did the building up. This last was arguably necessary, but let's not be cavalier about who held the fort in the meantime - or that there was a long and bloody meantime. Put briefly, luck had nothing to do with it, and there was little that was immediate or total about the US's response to the war. First, the US delayed entry while Australia, New Zealand, and Canada gathered upon the invasion of Poland, in 1939, long before '42, and joined the Allies opposing Hitler. The US's two-and-a-quarter-year delay was at least partly the result of the strong influence of Nazi sympathizers within US borders - such as Ambassador Joe Kennedy, industrialists like Ford, and other prominent figures who resisted Roosevelt and what they only later came to call a just cause. Less obvious than this vital issue about dates, though, is a second circumstance too often overlooked in certain quarters. As historian Max Hastings has shown in his 'Armageddon,' and elsewhere, the Soviets were the ones who bore the brunt of the Nazi war. Hastings is not the first to remark on this, although he may be the first in the west to show that it happened knowingly, cynically, through a deliberate strategy on the part of the US, Churchill and the Allies, and despite urgent cries for help from their Soviet ally (and Poland as well). Meantime, a horrific price was being paid in cities razed, lives lost, cannibalism and other desperate acts, while the Soviets wore down the formidable German war machine to more 'manageable' size for confrontation by the western Allied forces - obviously including Britain, Australia, Canada, NZ, etc., not just the US forces. To illustrate by turning to the war's crudest terms, in the end the US involvement meant about 300,000 dead souls. That's roughly the same as Yugoslavia's toll. The figure also compares with the 300,000 Soviet soldiers who died to capture the strategically insignificant port of Königsberg, capital of Eastern Prussia, before turning it into de-Germanized Kaliningrad. Granted, their leaders often treated Russian soldiers like cattle, and this attack was a case in point. Also, the soldiers' regard for the locals sort of confirms levels of civilization not far from the bovine ...but this digresses. Soviet casualties, by comparison, are estimated to have reached around 27 million, including at least 9 million dead soldiers, or probably more like 15 million -- plus about as many civilian casualties. Meantime, as the war raged along Germany's dreaded eastern front, the Allied push to Berlin was delayed to ensure not only success but the least number of US and Allied casualties. A less crude perspective on the matter is that, even _after_ German adjustments subsequent to the D-Day landings, the Axis powers devoted a total of 59 divisions to defend their western flank. Meantime, they stationed no less than 156 divisions on their far more dangerous, nearly 3,000-mile-long Soviet front. So it was not especially 'lucky,' and the US's involvement was far weaker than that "total" commitment purported by this reviewer. On the contrary: taking along its western partners, the US was prudent, even canny -- so anything but noble about the ongoing slaughter of its presumed allies. During that dithering, and the subsequent one before advancing on Berlin (in both of which delays Churchill played a key role, according to John Lukacs) Warsaw was pummelled to rubble, London was fire-bombed and near ruins, the French were turned against one another, old Balkan enmities were twisted to Nazi advantage, Czech villages were flattened, Spain groaned under Fascism, and millions of Jews, Gypsies and others were incinerated in a frenzy of duty-driven technological efficiency, as if they were all so much unwanted subhuman dreck. Without a doubt, even before 1940 many US citizens bravely enlisted in Spain, England and Canada, ready to die in the fight against Nazi tyranny. Also, US might was indispensable to the war prosecuted in the Pacific; the Brits certainly had no clout to defend their won Empire. The US government covertly provided a real, indeed tremendous leg-up (albeit on loan, only recently repaid by Britain) to both countries that bravely prosecuted the European war: massive contributions of materiel supported the British and Soviet efforts, without which the Americas would be the next domino to fall to the new barbarians. Of course, the Soviet regime was seen as deeply suspect, and with ample reason -- even if more by Churchill than by Roosevelt. In war, expediency and prudential thinking trump morality, and such decisions were made so the two mightiest armies would grind one another down, making room for the democracies to come out on top. Can that be faulted? In fact, it is all unimpeachable reasoning, given the circumstances: banal as it may sound, victory was crucial to the survival of western civilization as we know it. Just let's not call it luck, or the result of some swift military response. The victors also got to write the history: in its aftermath, Hollywood and TV promoted the story of that war, and how the US heroically stepped in and saved the day, and single-handedly. Ignoring the historical evidence served those industries very well, and audiences were massively misdirected worldwide, from Pasadena to Tasmania, Athens and Lima, Peru (where, as boys, my friends and I also cheered on those unaccompanied GIs). But we grownups have books by researchers, a much better source on which to decide on our history. This is a more accurate measure of the US's role, no matter how some insist on regarding its contribution. It's long past time to scrap the idea that it's the only bastion and preserver of democracy, and the world's saviour from authoritarian regimes. After the deceptions unmasked about the US's own variant on fascism -- the militarist-corporatist, torture-supporting, early 21st century Cheney-and-Rummy-and-Bush regime -- the time has surely come to re-appraise the historical record, and for facts to trump jingoism.

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT BOOK. IT REALLY FEELS LIKE YOUR LIVING THRU IT. I LISTENED TO THE CD VERSION WHILE DRIVING AND IT MAKES THE TRIPS GO SO MUCH FASTER. I WAS REALLY INTO IT. I COULD NOT WAIT TO LISTEN TO THE NEXT CD. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE. IT IS BOTH A HISTORY LESSON AND A STORY.

Well done, book and TV series are the same. A great presentation of that history in our lives.

I enjoyed this tour-de-force whose humanity and humor make it as interesting as any novel on today's best seller list. This is a crowd-pleaser that gives the reader not only words, but proof postive in pictures.

Our family members are all proud owners of this magnificent book. What makes it especially momentous is the photo of Henry Von Hollen Jr. on page 159.(soldier on the left) Despite being wounded in battle, he was very proud of his service for his country. Dad was a terrific man, father, grandfather and soldier.

Geoffery C. Ward and Ken Burns have captured the essence of fears, hatefulness and zealous support for one's country by those of us who have lived through those horrible years of "The War." What an extraordinary historical background about ordinary people for the young folks to see the one's who have given them the freedom and lifes' they enjoy today.

This book was a gift for a friend who thrives on WW2 stories. He read the book in 2 days and has considered buying the DVD. I quickly reviewed the book and it seemed very comprehensive on the topic. Would recommend it for a serious reader, not a good choice for the casual or beginning reader on the topic. Could be a little overwhelming.

This Documentary is the most detailed and rich historical project I have ever seen. The interviews, imagery, film, and music are all excellent. This project of Ken Burn's was intended to educate Americans about World War II and it does that and more. This film truly makes impression on the viewer that will not be forgotten.

Well written and illustrated with photos. Easy to find events. Comprehensive for this period. High recommend.

I bought this for my father who is a World War II veteran. It was for his birthday. Once he opened the package we could not get it away from him. The pictures are incredible. It is a very good complement to the PBS series on the War.

Fantastic research and photographs. Very well done. All US citizens need to read and give thanks. Ken Burns is a genius.

This book seriously needs to be in our educational system. Everybody should know about these things

Ipurchased this book after seeing the PBS series. It was a birthday gift for my son who prefers books to videos. His late father fought in France in WWII, but never spoke much about his experiences. It presented an opportunity for a baby boomer to learn more about the greatest generation.

I purchased this book for a friend who was also receiving the DVD series. It is a great companion book to the series, and gives detailed information of the people highlighted in the film.

This book preserves history for future generations... I gave it to a WWII full Bird Colonel and he became emotional while looking through it.

Two photos are incorrectly captioned. (1) The B-17 with the damaged horizontal stabilizer is not strugling to keep its position in formation. The damage is fatal and the bomber followed the bombs into the city below. No parachutes were seen. (2) The photo of a Jap warship shows it under attack by B-17 bombers, and the caption indicates these planes sunk it. No B-17 ever struck a Jap ship in the Battle of Midway, much less sunk one. They did give it a nice try, however as did all the American planes involved in the battle. SBD Dauntless dive bombers disabled four Jap carriers, all of which sank in the battle or shortly thereafter.

Wonderful book. Very good quality and well published. Pictures were very clear. My brother in law loved it.

I purchased this for a gift for a WWII hero who fought at Iwo Jima and survived! He was so appreciative! He said "beautiful book, beautifully done".

I'm very satisfied. The War book have a excellent apresentation, good quality and good argument for all people that apreciate the II War history.