Imperial War Museum

Hugely authoritative...brilliantly researched.’ Dan SnowBy summer of 1940, the Nazi Blitzkrieg had swept through much of western Europe, seizing control of territory right up to the Channel coast. A German invasion of Britain was expected to begin at any moment. But the key to success in such an invasion would be control of the skies over Britain – and the nation’s defenders were determined not to give in to their Nazi aggressors. The stage was set for one of the most important battles of the Second World War. This highly illustrated book, published in paperback, tells the heroic story of those five months using artefacts, interviews, documents, film, art and photographs from the archive at IWM. Personal testimony from those who were there helps bring to life this truly unique visual retelling of one of the most important moments of the Second World War.

The devastation caused by the Nazi regime during the Second World War was vast and multifaceted, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the world. In response, the Allies brought the leading civilian and military representatives of wartime Germany and Japan to trial on charges of war crimes, crimes against peace and crimes against humanity. The Nuremberg trials went on to become arguably the most famous trials in history, bringing some measure of justice to the millions persecuted and devastated by the Nazi regime. Drawing on documents, witness testimony and visual material from IWM's collections, this publication captures the importance and complexity of the trials that attempted to bring the Nazi war criminals to justice. It examines the events as they unfolded, from the creation of a new 'system' of justice, to the selection of defendants and evidence, to the frameworks and legacies that laid the foundation for modern international law and human rights as we know it.

IWM holds approximately 11 million photographs in its archives, covering the causes, course and consequences of modern conflict from the First World War to the present day. The Second World War was won by millions of Allied soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians, many of whom came from the countries of the British Empire. It was won using resources extracted from these countries: vital to ensuring the defeat of fascism in Europe and Japanese imperialism in the Pacific. However, for many of the people who had long sought freedom from British control, the end of the war did not mark a return to peace, but the start of a new battle - the battle to decide who would shape their futures. Through 50 photographs, Emergency Exits explores how key conflicts in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus became defining events in the end of the British Empire. This poignant collection brings to light the lesser-known history of the events that followed the end of the Second World War, and their role in shaping the world we know today.

The summer of 1945 remained in the memory of all those who witnessed it. It brought an end to nearly six years of war in Europe and beyond. A war that cost millions of lives and destroyed the homes, livelihoods and families of almost all who experienced it. Millions of people across Britain rejoiced in the news that both Germany and Japan had surrendered, relieved that the strain of ?total war? was finally over. Throughout the country, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and singing. Using rare archival footage from the Imperial War Museum?s unique collection, this flip book brings to life that celebratory summer.

On the evening of 5 June 1944, the people of Britain braced for news that would truly change the course of history. Ships and landing craft assembled in the Channel, paratroopers prepared for flight and troops readied for action. A brief announcement the following morning declared that D-Day had finally arrived. It would be the start of a long and arduous campaign to liberate Europe from the tyranny of Nazi occupation. D-Day to VE Day narrates the final year of the Second World War in Europe, from the Normandy landings to the joyous celebrations of VE Day. It draws on IWM's vast photography collection to chart and illustrate the Allies' journey through war-torn Europe during those crucial months, moment by moment and day-by-day. Follow in the footsteps of the Allies in real time as they liberate Paris, fight through the dense forest of the Ardennes Forest during the Battle of the Bulge and cross the mighty Rhine River, paving the way for the final push towards Berlin. Along the way, you'll discover the key strategic operations, battles and crucial turning points that marked the Allies' march towards ultimate victory over Nazi Germany.

1945: one of the most important years in modern history. Encompassing not only the celebration of peace and an end to the Second World War, butalso the devastating first use of nuclear weapons and the long shadow cast by such destruction. In this landmark publication, Anthony Richards tells the story of this momentous year through IWM’s unique collections, using personal testimony and rarelyseen imagery to consider the wide-ranging experiences of that 12-month period. From continued fighting through North-West Europe, South-East Asia and the Pacific to the liberation of concentration camps, while encompassing the postwar desire for reconstruction, repatriation and justice, 1945: A Visual History guides readers through this year of unprecedented change, which laid the foundation for the modern world.

Published to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the man voted 'the Greatest Briton', Churchill: A Visual History tells the incredible story of Winston Churchill's long life and lasting legacy. With particular focus on Churchill's pivotal role during the Second World War, the book features artefacts, interviews, documents, art and photographs from IWM's unparalleled collections - some of them never previously published. Featuring compelling personal testimony from the man himself alongside the accounts of those who worked closely with him, this richly illustrated history brings Churchill's story to life like never before.