Louis Snyder's recapitulation of the six years of World War II is admirably clear and exceptionally concise. The aftermath of World War I and formation of the Axis form a prelude to Hitler's conquest of Europe and the Battle of Britain. The salient points of war in the Pacific are reported journalistically. A pithy precis which extracts the military significance and strategy of the fall of France, the bombing of London, the Russian and African campaigns, the U-boat war and Allied victory. Contemporary history set in the frame of reference is a vital need today.