Includes bibliographical references (pages 541-602) and index.

New York Times bestselling author Jay Winik brings to life in gripping detail the year 1944, which determined the outcome of World War II and put more pressure than any other on an ailing yet determined President Roosevelt. It was not inevitable that World War II would end as it did, or that it would even end well. 1944 was a year that could have stymied the Allies and cemented Hitlers waning power. Instead, it saved those democracies-but with a fateful cost. Now, in a superbly told story, Jay Winik captures the epic images and extraordinary history as never before.