Scorched Earth

While historians have long identified World War II as a seminal influence on our contemporary era, none have effectively argued that colonialism in its varied versions was its ultimate legacy-until now. In previous work, Chamberlin contested Cold War realism; likewise, here he upends common assumptions about the Good War. He demythologizes in a way that eloquently covers this epic conflict in all its details-experts and war buffs will find a lot of battle descriptions that are fresh here-while provoking us to rethink our understanding of history itself. Truly a tour de force! -- Thomas W. Zeiler, author of ANNIHILATION A well written, balanced, and provocative account of the twentieth century's greatest and most destructive war. Paul Thomas Chamberlin covers all the major theaters of the war, smoothly integrating political and military developments. The author's unorthodox interpretation of the Second World War will challenge historians to reexamine long-standing assumptions and beliefs about the origins and nature of this critical conflict -- Ronald H. Spector, author of EAGLE AGAINST THE SUN What more is there left to say about World War II? A lot, it turns out, as Paul Chamberlin shows in his brilliant, panoramic new history of the most colossal, catastrophic war in human history. New insights leap from every page, introducing even seasoned readers to fresh perspectives on the war . . . Chamberlin provides a breathtakingly new interpretation of World War II. A truly remarkable book -- Andrew Preston, author of TOTAL DEFENSE In a sweeping and vivid narrative, Scorched Earth challenges us to abandon the simplistic hero myths that have blinded us to World War II's devastating and continuing impact on our own time -- Drew Gilpin Faust, author of THIS REPUBLIC OF SUFFERING The most up-to-date and enlightening global history of World War II. Paul Thomas Chamberlin's briskly written Scorched Earth is an unflinching account of the role played by racism and colonial aspirations in the conflict's origins, brutal unfolding, and less than heroic outcomes -- Brooke L. Blower, author of AMERICANS IN A WORLD AT WAR A dauntingly ambitious reinterpretation of the Second World War. In coldly lucid prose, it challenges the standard - and comforting - European and American clichés about the war's meaning. Its sweeping vision will ensure that it will be devoured by students of post-1945 world history -- Sir Paul Preston, author of THE SPANISH HOLOCAUST