Tuesday, January 21, 2014

World War 2: Recommended Reading 3b

Great Battles of World War ll
By Dr. Chris Mann 


Great Battles of WW II is a quick read. For example, I've read fat books about the battle for Stalingrad (and Eastern Ukraine) and Great Battles covers it in 3 - 4 brief pages.

Still, the book is recommended reading for students of WW2. Opening paragraphs of each chapter are informative and concise and relate to turning points in the war. 'Outcomes' at the beginning and an 'Aftermath' at the end of each brief chapter provide good talking points and summaries.



Example, the 'Aftermath' of the massive tank battle at Kursk, Russia, follows in part:

     All things considered, Citadel was a dire German
     strategic defeat. ...Indeed, all Citadel accomplished
     was to shatter the German strategic armored reserves,
     making it easier for the Soviets to achieve rapid
     operational successes with their counterattacks. In
     fact, Kursk - rather than Stalingrad - was probably the
     key turning point of the war (i.e., likely meaning here,
     the war between Germany and Russia), which ensured
     Germany would be defeated in 1945. (pg. 145)

As well, the photographs are authentic and take one back 70 years in a heart beat.

["Crew of Soviet T-34 tank surrender to SS soldier..." pg. 145]

Photos by GH from Great Battles


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