An anthology of 16 readings dealing with military, political, diplomatic, and social aspects of World War II and its consequences for the contemporary world. The readings consist of complete articles or integral chapters so that each author's argument can be read in its original form.

This anthology contains 16 readings by English-language scholars that deal with military, political, diplomatic, and social aspects of World War II and its consequences for the contemporary world. The readings are grouped around seven major topics and each topic is prefaced with a substantial commentary by Professor Lee that places it in historical context. The readings consist of complete articles or integral chapters rather than abridged selections so that each author's argument can be read in its original form. The authors are: Gerhard L. Weinberg, Akira Ireye, Jan Thomasz Gross, Betram M. Gordon, Michael R. Marrus, Hugh Tinker, Roy Fraser Holland, Lloyd E. Eastman, Roberta Wohlstetter, Williamson Murray, Sheila Fitzpatrick, D'Ann Campbell, Robert M. Hathaway, Melvyn P. Leffler, A.J. Levine, and Lawrence Freedman.