The Meaning of the Second World War - (Verso World History) 2nd Edition by Ernest Mandel (Paperback)

About the Book

"One of the most creative and independent-minded revolutionary Marxists of the post-war world."--The Guardian

Book Synopsis

The very scale of the 1939-45 war has often tempted historians to study particular campaigns at the expense of the wider panorama. In this readable and richly detailed history of the conflict, the Belgian scholar Ernest Mandel (author of the acclaimed Late Capitalism) outlines his view that the war was in fact a combination of several distinct struggles and a battle between rival imperialisms for world hegemony. In concise chapters, Mandel examines the role played by technology, science, logistics, weapons and propaganda. Throughout, he weaves a consideration of the military strategy of the opposing states into his analytical narrative of the war and its results.

Review Quotes

"One of the most creative and independent-minded revolutionary Marxists of the post-war world."--Guardian

About the Author

Ernest Mandel (1923-95), historian, economist and activist, was a leading figure in the Fourth International from 1945 and was the author of a number of books, including Late Capitalism, Marxist Economic Theory, Long Waves of Capitalist Development, and The Meaning of the Second World War.