Giveaway & Book Review: World War II from above by Major General Julian Thompson

General Major Julian Thompson ‘s World War II from above

[Ad-gifted] World War II from above: a History in maps and satellite photographs’ is written by Major General Julian Thompson and published by Welbeck Publishing. The book is designed with Google Earth, so offers new insight, by combining current satellite images with specially commissioned and expertly drawn battle maps, detailing the events of the time.

The 25 chapters each examine a single battle within the Second World War. Some radically altered the course of the war, others were stepping stones towards an objective or attempts to influence the development of the war in one of the protagonist’s favour. All were significant, in terms of their effect on what came next throughout the period.

Written by a former soldier and leading military history expert, ‘World War II from above’ is an innovative, scholarly and vivid account of history’s most destructive conflict.

What I thought of General Major Julian Thompson ‘s World War II from above

There are many military histories and books about World War Two on the market. ‘World War II from above’ sets itself apart and offers something different with the inclusion of the current Google Earth satellite photographs of the battle sites. Focusing on 25 battles, rather than everything which happened over the six-year period, also allows the book to fully inform the reader about the selected events.

Having only a general knowledge of the Second World War from school history lessons, I did find this book a little dense and detailed in places. However, this makes it perfect for any reader with a deeper interest in the subject, as they are sure to learn something new from each chapter.

The format is very clear, with a photo, map and brief summary of each battle at the start of the chapter, followed by a description of the battle, interspersed with information about key personnel. It was these sections that I found most interesting, as they personalised the events and encouraged me to think more deeply about the actions that soldiers at all levels – from leaders to those on the front lines – were asked and expected to take.

The other strength of the book, for me, was that it made me consider the Second World War from a different perspective. In the introduction, the author suggests that the reader might use Google Earth maps to visit some of the battlefields – many of which would otherwise be unrecognisable, as towns and cities cover them or geography has altered to envelope them. By combining the battle maps with contemporary satellite photos of the sites, the design gives the events of 80 years ago an immediacy and relevance which can be missing from purely written textbooks. Rather than purely factual, clinical descriptions of manoeuvres and casualty numbers, the book reminds the reader that the atrocities – and unexpected camaraderie – of the Second World War happened in real places, to real people.

How much is Major Julian Thompson ‘s World War II from above and where can you buy it?

‘World War II from above: a history in maps and satellite photographs’ by Major General Julian Thompson costs £15.63 and can be bought from Amazon. Please check the website for the latest pricing as it tends to fluctuate on Amazon.

How to win yourself a copy of this book?

Terms & Conditions:
* Prize is not exchangeable for cash and not transferable
* Open to residents of the United Kingdom Only
*Entrants of the competition must be 18 or over and must not be employed by Wellbeck Publishing
* All entries must be received by Sun, 10 January 2021.
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About the author

Major General Julian Thompson CB OBE served in the Royal Marines for 34 years and commanded the Royal Marine Commandos and the two battalions of the Parachute Regiment during the Falklands War. Since retiring, he has been a visiting professor at King’s College, London. His books include ‘The Second World War in 100 objects’ and ‘1918: How the First World War was won’.

About the book

Title: World War II from above: a history in maps and satellite photographs’
Author: Major General Julian Thompson
Publisher: Welbeck Publishing
ISBN: 978-0233006123
Trim Size: 257x224mm
Pages: 160 pages, colour satellite photographs & maps, B&W photographs.

Review by: Sharon Corbally

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*Disclaimer: We were sent a copy of this book for the feature. All opinions are our own