During the War...

[gazzawazza]

I suppose this question is inspired by infendby's, but can anyone recommend a good book that explains just what was happening and when in WW1 and/or WW2.

I'm talking about tactics, why this happened, why they did/didn't do this, what was happening at home etc. how people were coping... preferably in some sort of diary or timescape form.

[inbfenby]

Although you would have thought they are localised accounts Stalingrad and Berlin by Antony Beevoir are real eye-openers with alot of personal accounts and facts, that shed a lot of light on the general conflict. Best of all the author keeps his opinion to himself and lets you make your own mind up.

[andyp]

I'd also try either of John Keegan's books WW1 and WW2, if you want to get a feel for how people at all levels in all involved societies were affected then try "Voices from the great War" by Peter Van Sittart, it's basically a collection of letters, poems, newspaper articles, political speeches, thoughts from well known names and annonymous soldiers from both sides and so on from all over the world.

[gazzawazza]

Thanks to both of you, I'll keep a look out for these.