Hitler's Blitzkrieg Campaigns: The Invasion And Defense Of Western Europe - Hardcover

Kaufmann, J.E.; Kaufmann, H.W.

3.43

14 ratings by Goodreads

9780938289203: Hitler's Blitzkrieg Campaigns: The Invasion And Defense Of Western Europe

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0938289209 ISBN 13: 9780938289203

Publisher: Da Capo Press, 1993

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The wide-ranging linguistic skills and vast network of European contacts of J.E. and H.W. Kaufmann have given them the ability to produce in Hitler's Blitzkrieg Campaigns a unique compilation of narratives, charts, photographs, diagrams, and maps not previously available in the United States.

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About the Author:

J.E. Kaufmann is the author of six books on fortifications. He and his wife, H.W. Kaufmann, live in San Antonio, Texas. H.W. Kaufmann is the wife of J.E. Kaufmann, the author of six books on fortifications. They live in San Antonio, Texas.

Review:

This book in my opinion is one of the best titles on the early war period. What makes it stand out is the way in which it gives a clear explanation of why the Germans were so strong during this period of the war: training and preparation. This was something all of their opponents lacked, as is shown to great effect in the book. The book is an easy read; I couldn't put it down once I started. I feel it deals with all important aspects of the early war period in sufficient detail. It covers the respective armed forces, and deals with their strengths and weaknesses. It gives a good description of the French Army, the Maginot line and the role it played in French strategic thinking. It also deals with tank design and tactics, explaining why French tanks, though heavilly armored and well armed, need not necessarilly be the best design. I felt that this part of the book set the scene for the campaign very well. The Polish campaing is dealt with in 40 pages. This is short, but all important aspects are mentioned. The Weserubung campaign is also briefly described (32 pages). The western front first gets a chapter on the Sitzkrieg, and then the actual campaign is dealt with in over 120 pages. The book is illustrated with a lot of maps and photographs. These look a bit like they are photocopies, though not as bad as I've seen in other titles. The illustrations are clear enough to identify details and serve their purpose. Overall I think this is a powerful title on the early war period, because it gives a very compact but clear description of events. All this makes very clear why the outcome was as it was and I think this is a great achievement by the authors. This title is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the early war period. In fact I think if your interest lies here you should not miss this one. --By Bor

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