The Second World War was the most destructive human conflict in history. Forty million people died during the 2,174 days between Germany"s attack on Poland in September 1939 to the surrender of Japan in August 1945. In this definitive, all-encompassing history of a global war, eminent historian Martin Gilbert weaves together all its aspects - political, diplomatic, military and civilian - charting the terrible progress of the juggernaut of death. Martin"s portrayal of events, whether it be the magnificent defence of Stalingrad or the endurance of London in the Blitz, uncovers a new vision of what the Second World War meant for those who fought and suffered, and of its legacy for us today.