This volume presents the results of a conference on the history of total war.

World War I was the first large-scale industrialized military conflict, and it led to the concept of total war. The essays in this volume analyze the experience of the war in light of this concept's implications, in particular the erosion of distinctions between the military and civilian spheres.

An authoritative illustrated history of World War II complemented by artifacts and stories of those who lived through it from across the globe. Total War is an illustrated examination of the most significant historical episode of the twentieth century: World War II. This immersive account of a conflict that permanently reshaped the geopolitical landscape is told not only through compelling photographs, maps, and infographics produced specifically for the book, but also through a series of artifacts that convey the real-life stories of some of the millions worldwide—from the United States to Europe, Asia, and Africa—who were affected by the war. Published to coincide with the much-anticipated opening of the new Second World War and Holocaust galleries at the Imperial War Museums (IWM), London, in 2021, Total War is an essential volume for anyone interested in the everyday realities of one of the most brutal and far-reaching wars in modern history. Numerous images from the IWM’s unique Second World War and Holocaust collection are included, many of which have rarely been published. From a doll belonging to a Jewish child refugee to a kamikaze pilot’s final letter, and from Molotov cocktails to a US airman’s bomber jacket, the book delves into the significance behind the deeply moving objects reproduced on its pages. With precision, sensitivity, and a truly global approach, Total War offers a strikingly original visual perspective on an emotive and often controversial subject whose implications are still being felt today.

What is total war? Definitions abound, but one thing is certain—the concept of total war has come to be seen as a defining concept of the modern age. In The Age of Total War, celebrated historian Jeremy Black explores the rise and demise of an era of total war, which he defines in terms of the intensity of the struggle, the range (geographical and/or chronological) of conflict, the nature of the goals, and the extent to which civil society was involved. He contends that this era (roughly 1860–1945) was markedly different from the warfare that characterized earlier periods, and that it is very different from the situation that has evolved since, with its emphasis on asymmetrical conflict and limited warfare. Acknowledging that various definitions are problematic and often contradictory, Black argues that 1860 to 1945 was an era in which the prospect of war and the consequences of it were crucially important for human history. He focuses primarily on conflict between Western powers, including Japanese participation in the Russo-Japanese War. Trends and developments subsequent to 1945 have combined, Black asserts, to make a return to total war unlikely.

The essays in this collection, the fourth in a series on the problem of total war, examine the inter-war period.

How far would you go for Rome? Carthage, 146 BC. This is the story of Fabius Petronius Secundus – Roman legionary and centurion – and of his general Scipio Aemilianus, and his rise to power: from his first battle against the Macedonians, that seals the fate of Alexander the Great's Empire, to total war in North Africa and the Siege of Carthage. Scipio's success brings him admiration and respect, but also attracts greed and jealousy – for the closest allies can become the bitterest of enemies. And then there is the dark horse, Julia, of the Caesar family – in love with Scipio but betrothed to his rival Paullus – who causes a vicious feud. Ultimately for Scipio it will come down to one question: how much is he prepared to sacrifice for his vision of Rome? Inspired by Total War: Rome II, from the bestselling Total War computer strategy game series, Destroy Carthage is the first in an epic series of novels. Not only the tale of one man's fate, it is also a journey to the core of Roman times, through a world of extraordinary military tactics and political intrigue that Rome's warriors and citizens used to cheat death.

Explore the world of all three Total War: WARHAMMER games in this stunning compendium, packed with concept art, final designs, storyboards, and artist commentary. Total War: WARHAMMER is the award-winning PC strategy game trilogy from Creative Assembly. Set in the world of Warhammer Fantasy Battles, it combines grand campaigns of epic empire-building with battles of breathtaking scale, brimming with the warriors, wizards, and monsters that fans know and love. Delve into the rich lore of Games Workshop’s world of Warhammer Fantasy Battles, as viewed through the Total War lens. Total War: WARHAMMER – The Art of the Games offers Creative Assembly’s insights into the development of the series. Pore over concept sketches, texture studies, character art, and fully rendered paintings, accompanied by commentary from the artists themselves. Featuring artwork of iconic characters and scenes from parts I and II, as well as never-before-seen art from the trilogy’s thundering grand finale, this coffee-table tome is an essential collector’s item for any Warhammer or Total War fan.