"Of course, we know how the story ends, but Overy effectively utilizes primary sources to build up dramatic tension as the clock ticks down. Some of his assertions and conclusions go against the grain and should generate controversy: Chamberlain, while not a tower of strength, had no illusions concerning Hitler's ultimate aims. The Poles may have hastened the outbreak of war by refusing to compromise over the city of Danzig. Hitler correctly anticipated a short war against Poland but neither sought nor expected a wider war. This is an interesting and often provocative description of Europe descending into an abyss."—Booklist