Andrew Roberts — Why Hitler lost WWII, Churchill as applied historian, & Napoleon as startup founder

The Storm of War is a meticulously researched and masterfully written history of World War II. Andrew Roberts examines the grand strategy and individual experiences of the war, highlighting the critical decisions and mistakes made by the Axis powers, particularly under Adolf Hitler's leadership. The book covers the war's global scope, from the western front to North Africa, the Baltic, and the Far East, and includes tales of lesser-known individuals who exemplified courage, self-sacrifice, and the brutal realities of the war. Roberts argues that the Axis powers' defeat was largely due to their own strategic blunders and ideological rigidity, contrasting this with the moral triumph of democratic forces.

This book, co-authored by General David Petraeus and historian Andrew Roberts, provides a comprehensive examination of modern warfare from 1945 to the present. It covers significant conflicts, including the Korean War, the Gulf War, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. The authors draw lessons from these conflicts to offer insights into the future of warfare, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in military strategy. The book also delves into the impact of technological advancements and the changing nature of warfare in the modern era.

This book delves into the complex and often contentious relationships between four key leaders of the Western Allies during World War II: Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Sir Alan Brooke, and General George C. Marshall. Andrew Roberts uses private papers, diaries, and verbatim accounts of meetings to reconstruct the debates and strategies that defined the war effort. The book highlights the mutual suspicion, admiration, and explosive disagreements among these leaders as they navigated the monumental task of defeating Nazism. It also explores why certain strategic decisions were made, such as the Allied assaults on North Africa, Sicily, and Rome, and the delayed landing in southern France. Roberts's narrative provides a vivid and informed analysis of how these personalities and relationships influenced the course of the war.

Written in 1795, 'Clisson and Eugénie' is a romantic novella that reflects Napoleon's own experiences with love and war. The story follows Clisson, a heroic soldier who retires to marry Eugénie, only to be called back to battle, leading to a tragic conclusion. The novella offers insights into Napoleon's views on love, women, and military life, written in a style characteristic of the Romantic era.