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The Phoney Victory

The World War II Illusion

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The Phoney Victory

By: Peter Hitchens
Narrated by: Peter Hitchens
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About this listen

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'.

©2018 Peter Hitchens (P)2019 Audible, Ltd 20th Century Europe Great Britain Military Modern Politics & Government World War Royalty Imperialism Winston Churchill King Interwar Period

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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.

A Somber and Harsh Retelling of History

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Hitchens at his absolute best, I cannot recommend this book highly enough to any patriotic Brit.

A melancholy masterpiece

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...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?

this opinion needs to be heard...

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Very compelling and well researched historical analysis, important reading for all. Very much recommend this book.

Excellent work

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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?

The empire's distorted view of itself laid bare

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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.

Deeply Unsettling, profoundly important.

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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.

Truly enlightening...

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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.

Very informative; different perspective

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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.

The truth hurts

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It was high time that some of the naive myths about “the good war” were dispelled and the author does that convincingly. A shame that the narrator is hard to understand with the end of sentences often vanishing in a slur.

A fresh look at WW2

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