The Phoney Victory
The World War II Illusion
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The Phoney Victory
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Narrated by:
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Peter Hitchens
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By:
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Peter Hitchens
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, LtdListeners also enjoyed...
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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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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- Stuart Abram
- 21-04-20
The best of Hitchens
An excellent account of the worst days of British decline. First class. Unlike the other Hitchens.
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- Adrian J. Smith
- 29-12-22
Familiar Facts, Different Narrative
Peter Hitchens examines what I have long suspected to be true, but perception was obscured by prevailing narratives.
As an undergraduate I was always mystified that Britain went to war for Poland only to give it to the Soviets 5 years later. In fact, Britain never actually went to war for Poland, and war could have been avoided.
Peter Hitchens's book certainly is not one for those who wish to avoid painful truths or to cling to romanticized myths. Hitchens examines painful truths that are well known, but rarely publicised, such as the senseless bombing of German civilians, or the even lesser known ethnic cleansing of Germans in European territories after the War.
Hitchens book uses painful truths and presents a very different Narrative. No doubt difficult for many to accept, but a truly compelling read.
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- Nicholas
- 28-11-23
Should be common knowledge.
Hitchens beautifully captures many of the common myths that we in the west still cling to in this gloomy and confused post war era. Even if you disagree on some points such as who bears responsibility for the fall of Singapore… 👀 All the details he includes bring real thought and insight to a conflict that was undoubtably a disaster for Britain. Highly recommend.
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