With the opening of the archives in the East Laurence Rees has had access to material that sheds a whole new light on many events and decisions made in the Second World War. For anyone interested in this period in history this makes a fascinating and sometimes uncomfortable read as new information is unearthed. This is the perfect gift for anyone who devours works on this period in history, as this takes a whole new perspective and gives much more new information to the reader
| Primary Genre | History |
In World War II: Behind Closed Doors, award-winning documentary-maker and historian Laurence Rees brings us a gripping new history of World War II - one that is full of surprises, even for those who think they know the history.
Drawing on material only available since the opening of archives in the East, Rees re-examines the key decisions made by Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt during the war. And as the truth about Stalin’s earlier friendly relationship with the Nazis is laid bare, a devastating and surprising picture of the Soviet leader emerges – one that is deeply embarrassing for many Russians.
The emotional core of the book is the amazing new testimony obtained from nearly a hundred separate witnesses from the period. Former Soviet secret policemen talk frankly for the first time about their repressive work; Allied seamen reveal how they braved the Arctic convoys; and Red Army veterans talk of how they killed Germans in hand-to-hand fighting on the Eastern Front.
Accompanying a major six-part BBC2 history series, this enthralling narrative is a mix of high politics – including the inside story of the Allies’ meetings at Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam – and the dramatic personal experiences of those on the ground who bore the consequences of their decisions.
World War II : Behind Closed Doors features in the following genres: History, History and Archaeology
World War II : Behind Closed Doors is available in Hardback
World War II : Behind Closed Doors was written by Laurence Rees and published by Ebury Press
