Military actions involve such a complicated sequence of events in time and place that it is almost impossible to describe them in words alone. Atlas of World War II therefore provides a careful balance of information-packed yet clear and precise maps and an authoritative complementary commentary. A selection of historic photographs is also included.

In addition to outlining the salient physical features of the battlegrounds, the atlas sets out the opposing orders of battle for major campaigns, also showing the commanders and areas of operation of subordinate units. Just as no military briefing could be considered complete without detailed reference to maps and charts, so this book represents an indispensable adjunct to the many histories and biographies of the World War II era already published.

Atlas of World War II features maps by Richard Natkiel, chief cartographer of The Economist, renowned for its expert coverage of political and military affairs.