Why the Allies Won

By: Richard Overy

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

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

Thorough, efficient and precise, if somewhat dry

Overy does here exactly what the title promises. When I say that the book is somewhat dry, I mean that it reads — and, in Runger’s careful, slightly pedantic narration, sounds — a bit like an academic lecture, the sort of thing one hears, say, in a Great Courses audiobook. I kept finding my mind wandering during Overy’s precise and thorough analysis, perhaps because it just isn’t as colorful, moving, and eloquent as Max Hastings’ four-hour survey of the war (“World War II: All You Need to Know”) and lacks that shorter book’s illustrative anecdotes.

When Hastings writes of Stalin, it's with an obvious loathing for the man's cruelty and tyranny, even when noting Stalin's military victories. He never allows you to forget what the Russian people sacrificed -- were forced at gunpoint to sacrifice -- and how Stalin was as much a monster as Hitler was. When Overy writes of him, it's practically emotionless; in fact, his tone is often genuinely admiring, because he focuses only on the military outcome, not on the government's crimes against its own citizens. I respect this book for the clarity of its analysis and for the information it conveys, but it lacks the moral dimension -- and the sheer human interest -- one finds in Hastings' book.

An Excellent Comprehensive Chronicle

I found this book to be well-written and extremely informative as it presented details of the war effort not usually covered in histories of the conflict. The chapters on the Soviet efforts to persevere in the factories and on the battlefields were well-done. The candid consideration of the difficulties of the Anglo-American alliance, the lengthy debate about the invasion of France, and the missteps in the Allied invasion at Anzio were excellent. The author provides well-prepared and well-researched work on many individual aspects of both theaters of the war, covering culture, economics, logistics and the various battlefields of the land, air and sea. Mr. Runger's narration was superb.

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

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.

The thoroughness of detail and an honest assessment

I appreciated the honest, through and introspective coverage of the events and circumstances treated throughout the book.