The Third World War

How, why, when and where would a Third World War be fought? General Sir John Hackett has constructed a gripping and astonishing narrative, put together as though it were written shortly after the war's conclusion. It describes both causes and aftermath, tells how the war was fought on land and sea, in the air and in space, and covers the weapons used There are vivid accounts of the great land battles on the Central Front between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces; in Southern Africa between South Africa and the other African states; and the Middle East between Iran and her allies, including the United States, and the left-wing Arab states. The war in aerospace is dealt with at some length - with a fascinating description of the technological conflict of rival systems in inner space. The book also looks at the lives of ordinary people caught up in this global maelstrom. The text is interspersed with short accounts of how individuals fought the war on land and sea and in the air; attention is given to the position and operation of the media, particularly television; and there is an analysis of the reaction on the home fronts. Worst of all were the effects of two nuclear attacks: both Birmingham and Minsk were devastated.

The striking power of weapons now coming into use and the rapid exhaustion of resources in modern war meant that a conflict of such intensity could only be sustained for a short period. With unforeseen triumphs in technology and dramatic political developments the fighting in Europe came to an end in three weeks.

This is an outstanding book of the utmost seriousness, fascination, readability and relevance to today. It is extensively illustrated with photographs and maps.