Much as we may think that World War II simply erupted in 1939, Richard Overy argues that it was the result of a century-long imperial expansion on the part of Italy, Germany, and Japan. The costliest war in history, however, resulted in the end of all territorial empires. Offering more perspective, Overy explains the bitter cost for those involved in fighting, and the exceptional level of crime and atrocity that marked the war and its aftermath—which extended far beyond 1945."[A] stupendous achievement…. It is history at its best."—New York Times