‘An unquestionable masterpiece, magnificently organised, beautifully written, and certain to be read for as long as people seek to explain the European tragedy of 1939.’ John Keegan, Daily Telegraph

Panoramic in scope, flawless in presentation, this book is a monument of international history. Having amassed all that is known of the kaleidoscopic blunders, deceptions and fateful games of secret intelligence, Donald Watt cogently explains how Europe’s leaders were influenced and misled by Hitler’s demonic drive for power. Here, fascinatingly arranged for the general reader, are the reasons for a multicausal war that reshaped the world.