This text investigates the multifaceted impact of the Second World War on British society, government, and the civilian experience between 1939 and 1945. Ian Gilmour provides a historical overview of the conflict, utilizing archival records and contemporary accounts to examine how the nation mobilized for total war. The work argues that the pressures of the conflict fundamentally altered the social and political landscape of Britain, setting the stage for the post-war era.

This work is frequently cited as a accessible entry point for students and general readers interested in the British wartime experience. Experts note that while the text provides a broad overview, it remains a reliable synthesis of the period's primary historical developments.