One swallow does not necessarily a summer make, but the signs are positive that World War II with Tom Hanks will live up to some of its pre-release hype. The World at War, the critically and commercially successful documentary series first aired in 1973, narrated by Laurence Olivier, may finally have a worthy successor.

At 20 episodes long the series can certainly cover the epic scope of the conflict, as well as drill down deep into some detail and argument.

The footage that the production team have drawn together is impressive. Swathes of it will have not been seen by most viewers before, even those with an ardent interest in the subject matter.

One of the great assets to the series, aside from the measured but impactful performance of Tom Hanks as the narrator, is the cast list of historians that the producers have put together. The first episode deals with the invasion of Poland – and I can think of few other commentators better than Roger Moorhouse to add to our knowledge. Similarly, the episodes also covers Stalin’s involvement in the defeat of Poland – and who better than Simon Sebag Montefiore to shed light on the dark dictator?

I dearly hope that subsequent instalments will offer up the same visceral storytelling and astute insights as the first episode. We could be in for a treat, albeit in some ways a depressing treat given suffering involved throughout the conflict.

Should you have enjoyed the first episode of World War II with Tom Hanks and are interested in learning more about the subject we have listed some recommended reads below:

• His Struggle: Hitler in Landsberg Prison,1924 by Roger Moorhouse
• First To Fight: The Polish War, 1939 by Roger Moorhouse
• Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore
• Churchill: Walking with Destiny by Andrew Roberts
• All Hell Let Loose: The World at War by Max Hastings