The Origins of The Second World War

By: A.J.P. Taylor

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

From influential British historian A. J. P. Taylor comes the audio edition of The Origins of the Second World War. Controversial for its thesis that Hitler was an opportunist with no thorough plan, The Origins of the Second World War is an extensive exploration of the international politics and foreign policy that led up to the one of the bloodiest conflicts of the 20th century.

Originally published in 1961, The Origins of the Second World War is a classic of modern history. A. J. P. Taylor's years of research helped change the long-accepted view that Adolf Hitler had wanted and planned in detail for a war. With clear and relatable prose, Taylor articulately depicts the diplomatic mistakes from both the Allied and Axis powers that led to the outbreak of World War II. A groundbreaking work, The Origins of the Second World War "is an almost faultless masterpiece, perfectly proportioned, perfectly controlled" (The Observer).

©1961 A. J. P. Taylor (P)2018 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This is an almost faultless masterpiece." (The Observer)

Very comprehensive analysis

This is an academic study - a bit tedious for the average reader. But so worth the effort! I will be reading again soon, for better understanding

Dense but very enlightening

This book is not so much a point by point narrative, but much more interpretation and explanation. It assumes you are already familiar with the basic knowledge of prewar years and the actual event of World War 2. But it is quite fascinating if you do.
Taylor sets out his thesis at the beginning. To simply blame all of World War 2 on Hitler’s grand plan is far too simple. Hitler was evil certainly, but he was an evil opportunist and gambler more than a grand strategist. There were many mistakes by all the other nations along the way. And when war did come, it was probably not what hitler actually wanted. It also shows the complexity of alliances that existed in the late 1930s. Italy and Germany were not as in lock step as we might assume looking back. And Britain and France often had divergent goals.
If you want to dig deeper into the complexities of the events than a simple “this side vs that side”, you will enjoy the book.
Also, Not sure why people saw as an American you will dislike this book. America hardly comes up at all. It is much more indicting of France and England.
The narrator does sound a little condescending, but that fits the flavor of the book pretty well and I grew to enjoy it.

Not for me

Nigel is a little full of himself. If your an American it's almost impossible to listen to his Historical view!