James Holland program transcript.pdf

James Holland, The Rise of Germany, 1939-1941: The War in the West, Volume I

In his major new history of World War II, the first of three volumes, acclaimed historian James Holland weaves together strategy, tactics, and the economic, political, and social aspects of the war to create a masterful book that redefines and enhances our understanding of one of the most significant conflicts in history. Sponsored by Atlantic Monthly Press.

Guided by his groundbreaking new research, Holland looks at the events of World War II afresh, debunking many of the assumptions in the traditional narrative. For instance, it is commonly held that at the outset of war, Germany had the best army in the world, and that Britain barely managed to hold out against it until the Americans declared war and overwhelmed Nazi military prowess with economic might.

But Holland argues that blitzkrieg as we know it is a myth and reveals that the picture looked much different in 1939: In advance of its Polish offensive, Germany was short on resources, tanks, and trained soldiers. Meanwhile, France had more men in uniform than Germany, and Britain had the best navy in the world. The invasions of Poland and France were incredible gambles, and Hitler’s initial successes would mask hard truths. 

Beginning with the lead-up to the outbreak of war in 1939 and ending in the middle of 1941 on the eve of Operation Barbarossa, the Nazi invasion of Russia, The Rise of Germany covers the war on several levels, from fascinating tactical revelations to personal stories, such as those of a German U-boat captain, a French reserve officer, a son-in-law of Mussolini, an American construction tycoon, and civilians across the war zone. 

Holland pays careful attention to the operational level of the war often overlooked in previous histories, making The Rise of Germany more than just military history, but also social political, and economic history sure to generate significant scholarly debate and reader interest.

JAMES HOLLAND is the author of the bestselling Fortress Malta, Battle of Britain, and Dam Busters, as well as numerous works of historical fiction. Holland regularly appears on television and radio and has written and presented the BAFTA-shortlisted documentaries Battle of Britain and Dam Busters for the BBC, among others. A fellow of the Royal Historical Society, he has his own collection at the Imperial War Museum.