Why the Allies Won

By: Richard Overy

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 20 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's Summary

In this fascinating consideration of the Allied war effort, historian Richard Overy answers one of the great questions of the 20th century: What led to the unmistakable Allied victory when in the early stages of World War II, the balance of power so strongly favored the Axis? 

Searching for a compelling explanation, the author explores decisive military campaigns: struggles along the Eastern front, the battles for the seas, the war in the air above, and the massive amphibious assault on Europe. He also considers key elements underlying victory, such as the quality of both political and military leadership, the pursuit of industrial strength, and the all-important determination to win. 

A professor of modern history in London, Richard Overy clearly demonstrates that not one of these factors alone could make the outcome inevitable - only their compounded effect could bring victory. This multifaceted look at the war that shaped the modern world becomes accessible with Nelson Runger's thoughtful performance - and you'll realize how hard-won the Allied victory truly was.

©1995 Richard Overy (P)1999 Recorded Books

Excellent Account of Allied Success in WWII

Nuanced account weighing numerous factors figuring into the equation on why the allies won WWII. Overy's account makes clear while Soviet industrialization and US economic might were necessary to win the war, they were not sufficient. Other factors were also necessary, the most important being unlikely cooperation between the allied nations to fight together against German aggression. Overy also provides a brief epilogue commenting on the effects of allied militarization and victory on the post WWII world. This book might even make the reader a more critical thinker because of the author's detailed weighing numerous factors in allied success often challenging popular though erroneous belief.

Proof of Concept "we could have lost the war !"

History the way it could have been . The idea that the allies might have lost is not as farfetched as you that think. The author delves into the scenarios and conditions that made up the Second World War in Europe and the Pacific. Victory was not a forgone conclusion and the leadership on both sides made decisions that could have changed the outcome. A good study of the war.

Convincing argument

Very interesting. A convincing argument, well made! Thanks. Detailed summary of argument. Stop being so damn demanding. It wasn’t that good.

Why the Allies Won

This book solidified many of the factors attributed to by other historians. It’s true value is in dispelling certain myths and misconceptions about attaining victory and its analysis of contrasting leadership and management of the war.

STRENGTHENED MY WWII HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE

Enjoyable read Good learning! The detail and approach of this book was unique Turns out the US did not win WWII as easily as I thought

Okay if your not that familiar with world war 2

A decent book if you’re relatively new to the topic, but as a voracious consumer of books like this, this didn’t tell me much I didn’t already know.

Absolutely phenomenal

One of the most comprehensive books on the outcome of World War I, broken up neatly into descriptions and analyses of various events of the war. Easy to listen to. Highly recommended to all interested in the war.

Factually wrong

Author implies a political spectrum exists where todays "conservatives" are the militarists and fascists of the Nazi era. This is absurd and historically the worst mass murderers have enacted socialist programs. Specifically Mao, Stalin and Hitler.