The first volume of a ground-breaking and truly global trilogy on the Second World War, from an exciting, prize-winning academic.

Between 1931 and 1949, a series of crises threatened world order and the very functioning of states, as well as destroying or changing millions of ordinary people’s lives. At the heart of these upheavals was an all-encompassing war that was a watershed moment in modern history.

Collapse tells the story of the first part of this "Greater Second World War,” from 1931-1941, weaving multiple international trends, theatres of war and home fronts into a single, compelling global narrative. It shows from all sides what influenced the key campaigns, and the great shifts in power and society that accompanied them.
Combining brand new sources in 14 languages from over 50 archives around the world, and a highly original approach that explores the personal alongside the political, Professor Jonathan Fennell shows in vivid colour how a world that many considered civilised collapsed into barbarity.
By using immersive storytelling and a cast of characters from well-known political and literary figures to everyday citizens around the world – including not only “bands of brothers” but also less well-known “sisters in arms” and “war-woven lovers” – he explores what it really meant to live through this violent upheaval.
This is a landmark work from an outstanding historian that transforms our understanding of this monumental conflict.

'An incredible story . . . absolutely recommend it' Al Murray, on Fighting the People's War

© Jonathan Fennell 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026