Sword Beach

One of Bookbub's Best Nonfiction of 2025 From the best-selling military historian, a thrilling account of the valiant British role in the D-Day invasion.

"Admirably captures the tumult of war."

"Required reading for anyone interested in [World War II] history. . . . [Hastings] has an exceptional talent for detail."

"Hastings [is] a master of military history… A new look at D-Day from perhaps the best possible source."

"An incisive exploration of a WWII turning point and of the complex psychology of men in battle."

"Impressive… Hastings' new book makes gripping reading."

"Enthralling… Just when you think there's nothing new to say about D-Day, Max Hastings proves you wrong with this gripping, insightful and extraordinarily vivid retelling of the pivotal moment of the Second Front."

"With sensitivity and beautiful prose… Hastings deserves praise for bringing [these men] to life and, more importantly, for understanding them."

"The best kind of history books draw on compelling, richly textured human stories in order to chronicle wider events—and Hastings does this with aplomb."

"Exceedingly well [told]… A cracking tale in the hands of a practised storyteller."

"Hastings is a prolific military historian, experienced war reporter and commentator, and consummate storyteller… D-Day was one of the British army's finest hours, perhaps the finest. The author has matched that hour admirably."

Max Hastings is the author of more than thirty books, including Inferno and The Secret War. Knighted in 2002 and a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, he served as editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph, then editor of the Evening Standard. He lives in West Berkshire, England.