in my not so humble opinion of the best WW2 authors:
1. Mark C. Yerger
2. Marc Rikmenspoel
3. Dr. Charles Trang
4. Otto Weidinger
5. Hubert Meyer

this is just my opinion, let me know what you think. And, put down your favorites.
I am a voracious reader and do a lot of research. I find these authors to be some of the best there is.

Chris- "Remember, stupid people are made, not born."

I like Cornelius Ryan and Gordon Prange. I think the books by Rick Atkinson are well written and detailed. What I like about the books by Stephen Ambrose is that in many instances it is the actual participant who is talking. I will search the web looking for individual accounts and eyewitness histories, after action reports and journal entries to get the personal perspective.

when it comes to WWII you must add Stephen Ambrose -

Also - Antony Beevor

I like Richard Overy, maybe that's just me... I haven't read as much as some of you guys though!

Robert Kershaw is an excellent writer and historian, former airborne and served with the German Army, has written a few books now from the perspective of the German forces, his account of Arnhem is an excellent contribution to our knowledge of Market and Garden.

I agree,Ihave read Stalingrad,Berlin,I'm enjoying The Spanish Civil War,and D-Day is next,can't wait,did you read it yet ??

I just got D-Day (Beevor); It's wonderful. For WWII, how could a list be complete without Ernie Pyle (Brave Men)? That is a Classic.

Matt

Steven Ambrose and Michael Reynolds, author of Steel Inferno, The Devil's Adjutant and Men of Steel.

Des

Are you including fiction?

If so, Sven Hassel?

Not the most accurate, but certainly one of the most readable.

If you're including fiction you've got to include Jeff Shaara.

Jim

I would like to add Carlo D'Este and Richard Frank. D'Este book on Patton, a genius for war is excellent. Frank's book on Guadalcanal, and Downfall, about the decision to drop the atomic bomb, are extremely well written also.

He's good,but his father Michael was better "Gettysburg" was superb,fantastic reading.

Hi , I would have to include something from Hemmingway , cant really remember the full name but something like " across the valley and into the trees " .
My two cents

Erich von Manstein: "Verlorene Siege" (Lost Victories, english version availabel) comes recommended. A nice read that gives a high level view of WWII with quite a bit of insight on the politics involved.

Agree with the Carlo d'Este, "Fatal Decision" about Anzio really excellent reading. Also Martin Middlebrook's "Arnhem" is right up there. I'd visited Arnhem and Oosterbeek earlier and felt I was retracing my steps as I read the book
From the other side's point of view "Panzer Commander" by Hans von Luck, shows how to acheive a lot tactically with very little.

Regards, Lucien