In this massive and oversized volume an array of powerful visuals brings the saga of WWII to life. The hundreds of biographies - which include both military and civilian leaders - as well as the battle entries, provide a dramatic and continuous narrative of the war from its outbreak to its finish. A reasoned analysis of the motives and expectations of the combatants, and a rationale of their failures and successes, offer enlightenment of the war as a whole. Sftbd., 9"x 12", 512 pgs., 1,000 b&w ill.