'Magisterial . . . [a] fine, balanced and superb account. It deserves to be read for many years to come.' TELEGRAPH

March 1945. Allied troops are poised to cross the Rhine and sweep on into Germany. Victory is at last within their grasp. But if they believe this victory can be easily won, they face swift disillusionment. The final I00 days of the Second World War will prove to be bitterly and bloodily fought, village by village, town by town.

This is the extraordinary and gripping story of those final I00 days.
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'Superbly written and full of wisdom and deep understanding, this will stand as a defining work on these darkest months of the conflict.' JAMES HOLLAND

'This is the most vivid and detailed narrative of the subject that we are likely to see.' MILITARY HISTORY MAGAZINE

'An impressive work. Lively, informative and comprehensively researched.' CAROLINE MOOREHEAD, SPECTATOR

'An important contribution to military history. A great read and powerful reminder of how the Second World War in Europe was definitely not over until the final surrender.' BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE

About the Author
Peter Caddick-Adams is a writer and broadcaster who specialises in military history, defence and security issues. His previous works include Monty and Rommel: Parallel Lives (2011), Monte Cassino: Ten Armies in Hell (2012), Snow and Steel: Battle of the Bulge 1944-5 (2014) and Sand and Steel: A New History of D-Day (2019).

Reviews
Peter Caddick-Adams cements his place as one of our foremost historians of the Second World War with this major new account of the final months of the war in the West. Superbly written and full of wisdom and deep understanding, this will stand as a defining work on these darkest months of the conflict. -- James Holland
Magisterial . . . Peter Caddick-Adams has done full justice to the vast range of the fighting in the west in those last months of the war , in all its complexity, brutality, awfulness and, frankly, pointlessness . . . [he] not only covers these events in detail but also does so with genuinely new and convincing perspectives . . . Caddick-Adams [has] an authority that oozes off every page. He has a particularly enjoyable habit of suddenly ducking down rabbit holes of anecdote, often personal or which delve into deeper history . . . [a] fine, balanced and superb account. It deserves to be read for many years to come. -- James Holland * The Telegraph *
Caddick-Adams includes vivid anecdotes, small-unit fireworks, and strong, well-informed personal opinions on the often unwise decisions of the leaders . . . A first rate analysis for military buffs. * Kirkus Reviews *
Excellent. Most accounts of the Second World War in Europe devote only a few pages to the last 100 days. 1945 corrects this balance and makes an important contribution to military history. It is also a great read and powerful reminder of how the Second World War in Europe was definitely not over until the final surrender. * BBC History Extra Magazine *

This is the most vivid and detailed narrative of the subject that we are likely to see.

* Military History Magazine *
An immersive study of the last 100 days of the Western Front, when the Allies met ferocious resistance from Nazi fanatics who preferred death to surrender. -- Best History Books of 2022 * Daily Telegraph *

Pacy and engaging.

* The Past *
A meticulous reconstruction . . . 1945 is an impressive work, lively, informative and comprehensively researched . . . It long stays in the mind. * Spectator *
A thorough and well-researched dive into the often-forgotten final months of the war from the perspectives of the soldiers and commanders of the different army groups. * Classic Military Vehicle *
There is no book like 1945 . . . Written with style and humour . . . Highly recommend. * Britain At War Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9781529157734
Author Prof. Peter Caddick-Adams, TD, VR, BA (Hons), PhD, FRHistS, FRGS, KJ
Format Paperback
Page Count 688
Imprint Penguin (Cornerstone)
Publisher Cornerstone
Weight(grams) 610g
Dimensions(mm) 195mm * 130mm * 50mm