Four new history books to read this week

1945: The Reckoning By Phil Craig, hardback, £25

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This thought-provoking account of the final months of the Second World War and what happened next reminds us that, while Britain stood alone in Europe in 1940, its Empire contained a quarter of the world’s population - and victory brought consequences. Focusing on the war in Asia, Craig reveals how expectations of the 2.5 million men who made the Indian Army the largest volunteer military force in history helped ensure Indian independence. Dramatic human stories, written in the engaging style of Craig’s best-selling I Finest Hour, combine with surprising revelations, a glorious cast of characters and a keen eye for detail to make this a must-read. 9/10

Allies at War By Tim Bouverie, hardback, £25