Purnell's History of the Second World War - Vol's 1-8 (Complete Partwork 8 Volume Set) 

This series I remember well from the mid 1960's, the first WW2 written material I was exposed to, then aged 7-8 years of age. (My father bought it in weekly parts).

The material has by and large travelled well over the years although if it were to be written today it would have to have some changes and the occasional major update to be made - a WW2 history which does not include Enigma or Ultra or any reference to code breaking.

In many ways I tend to relate this fine series to "The World at War" , in which it has for me many parallels.

The magazines are contained in what are very sturdy binders which produce an excellent set of 8 volumes, the standard of publication is very high - photographs are well reproduced , maps and diagrams are very good and all things considered I would give 8/10 for the presentation and illustrations.

The written material is still good although it would need in some areas to be updated , considering what has been released from various National Archives and the research findings which more recent histories have included this is quite understandable but for your money you will still get a pretty decent history much of which has input from the men who fought the war and who are now no longer with us.