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The Phoney Victory
- The World War II Illusion
- Narrated by: Peter Hitchens
- Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
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The Phoney Victory
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Summary
Was World War II really the 'Good War'? In the years since the declaration of peace in 1945, many myths have sprung up around the conflict in the victorious nations. In this audiobook, Peter Hitchens deconstructs the many fables which have become associated with the narrative of the 'Good War'.
Whilst not criticising or doubting the need for war against Nazi Germany at some stage, Hitchens does query whether September 1939 was the right moment or the independence of Poland the right issue. He points out that in the summer of 1939 Britain and France were wholly unprepared for a major European war and that this quickly became apparent in the conflict that ensued. He also rejects the retroactive claim that Britain went to war in 1939 to save the Jewish population of Europe. On the contrary, the beginning and intensification of war made it easier for Germany to begin the policy of mass murder in secret as well as closing most escape routes.
In a provocative but deeply researched book, Hitchens questions the most common assumptions surrounding World War II, turning on its head the myth of Britain's role in a 'Good War'.
What listeners say about The Phoney Victory
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Rebecca H
- 26-08-20
A Somber and Harsh Retelling of History
Peter makes another great effort to dispel modern Mythology by tackling the World War II myths that still exist today. He goes to great lengths to show just how murky the water really is with this conflict, and how atrocities were enacted by both sides during the War.
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- Anonymous User
- 18-11-19
A melancholy masterpiece
Hitchens at his absolute best, I cannot recommend this book highly enough to any patriotic Brit.
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- Mr. M. Mazourov
- 14-07-20
this opinion needs to be heard...
...even if you do not agree. one thing I do not get: does "phoney war" imply that the war could have been avoided all together?
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- David
- 07-02-24
Excellent work
Very compelling and well researched historical analysis, important reading for all. Very much recommend this book.
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- Laurence S Danvers
- 20-04-19
The empire's distorted view of itself laid bare
So interesting. Now I understand the American special relationship. Who could imagine this mighty nation defaulting on a loan to The US and being bankrupt?
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8 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 23-09-20
Deeply Unsettling, profoundly important.
An excellent book, outside of established myth. Cutting and informative, this excellent compilation of history will challenging and provoke.
Peter Hitchens reads his work well and is a pleasure to listen to even if his words a dark.
A must, not just for history lovers, but for every British citizen.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Dave
- 23-05-22
Truly enlightening...
But results in a heavier heart.
Peter bravely strays into heretical territory. But he doesn't stoop to anger or blame. He recounts the tragedy caused by apprantly incompetent, blundering fools with a thoughtful and compassionate attitude.
However, do such a catalogue of invariably precise mistakes, really provide a coherent explanation?
Much context is left out, for example the Nazi Zionist pact and the role of the british in preventing jews from settling in palestine. Enquiry into this gacor might have shed light on Churchill's "unfathomable obsession" with the eastern Mediterranean.
Peter drastically underplays the brutal abuse that german women and girls were subjected to by the "liberating" allies.
Peter is absolutely on target (and proven correct by the conflict in Ukraine) when he says we will be unable to prevent similar disasters, until we are aware of why the events of WWII actually took place.
For a more thorough explanation than this one, we may have to wait until the authors of excellent books on WWI, Jim MacGregor and Gerry Docherty, turn their scrutiny upon WWII.
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- Nicky Ramone
- 10-01-21
Very informative; different perspective
The book told a different story to that which is generally found in the public consciousness in Britain, and whilst I do not agree with some of Mr. Hitchens’ opinions about other issues, I found him convincing on this issue. I am one of the under-informed that Mr. Hitchens occasionally refers to and so I was grateful for his information and different perspective. Sadly, what he said did not really surprise me, but I found the book very interesting and informative. I recommend it to others.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Danny
- 11-04-21
The truth hurts
It’s a difficult read for someone who has certain preconceptions of the ‘good war’.
But only in truth can we really attempt to prevent the evils of WWII again.
Highly recommend.
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- JB
- 05-03-24
Britain Shafted
Shafted by the US in a nutshell, WW2 was a pyrrhic victory for Britain. The US were opportunistic and saw this as an opportunity to claim the top spot and reorder the global hegemony. If we had remained treaty allies with Japan and not turned our back on them (at the request of America) Pearl Harbor might never have happened. Japan may not have entered the Axis. Looking at the UK today you must wonder was sacrificing a generation of our finest worth it?
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