> Skip to content
  • Published: 15 June 2018
  • ISBN: 9780718186500
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 56
  • RRP: $22.99

The Desert War

Book 4 of the Ladybird Expert History of the Second World War



An accessible and authoritative introduction to the Desert War for adult readers

Part of the new Ladybird Expert series, The Desert War is an accessible. insightful and authoritative introduction to the standoff between the Axis and Allies in the harsh deserts of North Africa.

Historian, author and broadcaster James Holland draws on the latest research and interviews with participants to bring colour, detail and a fresh perspective to the story of how the British blunted Mussolini's ambitions in Africa, making Italy a liability rather than an asset to Germany.

Inside, you'll discover how tactics, organisation and new technologies were brought to bear, about the different challenges faced by both the Axis and the Allies, and, above all, the skill, bravery and endurance of those engaged in a contest that was of critical importance to the outcome of the war.

  • Published: 15 June 2018
  • ISBN: 9780718186500
  • Imprint: Michael Joseph
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 56
  • RRP: $22.99

About the author

James Holland

James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, Burma ’44 and, most recently, Big Week, he has also written nine works of historical fiction, including the Jack Tanner novels.

He is currently writing an acclaimed three-volume new history of the Second World War, The War in the West. He has presented – and written – many television programmes and series for the BBC, Channel 4, National Geographic, History and Discovery Channels.

He is also co-founder of the Chalke Valley History Festival and co-founder of WarGen.org, an online Second World War resource site, and presents the Chalk Valley History Hit podcast. A fellow of the Royal Historical Society, he also has a weekly podcast with Al Murray, We Have Ways of Making You Talk: Al Murray and James Holland Talk World War II. He can be found on Twitter as @James1940.

Also by James Holland

See all

Praise for The Desert War

Praise for WW2 Ladybird Experts Series

-

Shines a light on some of the darkest and most dramatic moments of the six-year conflict.

Daily Mail

The artwork is gloriously retro, echoing the original Ladybird house style but containing completely up to date information.

Shiny New Books