As a history major, a couple things: Max Hastings. Get everything written by Hastings. Downfall and Armageddon are wonderful, wonderful books, rich with really good information, particularly regarding the German and Japanese armies. Downfall in particular focuses on many regions of the Pacific War that aren't covered normally such as China and Australia during World War II. Guderian's Panzer Leader is also great, but maybe a bit stiff, and Enemy at the Gates is also a great book if you're interested in a page turner. But rule number 1 on buying World War II books: No Ambrose. Do not buy anything by Stephen Ambrose. The guy is a jingoistic idiot, focusing over and over again on whatever wonderful things those excellent American soldiers did (any historian who claims that the American soldier, man for man, was superior to the German, is a liar or a fool) and barely giving nothing more than the bare bones of what happened during the war. I sincerely hate his books.
ive heard this is the definitive work on the subject - if you are going to read about the nazis you might as well go straight to the bigboy. been meaning to read it for years and i will at somepoint (im still fairly young-ish) i tend to read about 1 subject for a year or so than move on - i read only books about the conquest of mexico for a while, then only books about texas history then this year it was all revolutionary war. not to disrail the topic, but if you ever want a really good read on the texas revolution i would recommend two books, each of which i have read several times...duel of eagles, which is probably the most entertaining history book i have ever read and it might be my one 'desert island' book if forced to choose. the other one is called 'texian illiad' which focuses more on military history/tactics - very interesting read if you are interested in a more in depth account of the actual battles and tactics used.
Exactly what I was looking for, thanks for the suggestions guys. I will pick some of these up and report back at some point.
Harrisment, I am a history major and I share your interest in this topic. When i am done with finals I can help a great deal more, so I will get back to you at the end of the week. Two notes for now: 1. Be careful who you are reading. Do research on your authors before reading the text. Because WWII is such a broad, controversial, and important area of study there are enough bad or bunk writing out there to fill an entire library. 2. Richard Overy - Why the Allies Won. Start with this. I would love to discuss it with you if you do decide to read it. overy book
Try "An army at Dawn" by Rick Atkinson - won the Pullitzer for non fiction. It is part 1 in a 3 part series.
