The German siege and Soviet defense of Leningrad in World War II was an epic struggle in an epic war; a drama of heroism and human misery unmatched in the annals of modern warfare. While innumerable writers have dealt at length with the besieged city itself; David Glantz provides for the first time the definitive military history of the conflict waged beyond the city's borders. One of the first major Soviet cities threatened by the German blitzkrieg; Leningrad was as much a symbolic target as it was a strategic one for Adolf Hitler; who fully expected the birthplace of the Russian Revolution to be reduced to rubble quickly and with ease. The Red Army's ferocious defense of the city; however; made that impossible.Glantz digs deep to recount the full story of how these two military giants bludgeoned each other for nearly three years with a relentless barrage of offensives and counter-offensives designed to crush one another; in horrendous weather and a harsh terrain and with staggering loss of life on both sides. His richly detailed history shows how battles and campaigns were conceived; engaged; and resolved—including a half dozen or more "forgotten battles" that took place during the blockade.From a crazy quilt of military operations; Glantz reconstructs the border battles of June and July 1941; the little-known battles to liberate southern Leningrad oblast; including the battles for Luga; Narva; Pskov; and Ostrov; and the liberation of northern Leningrad oblast; comprising the Vyborg operation and failed attempts to invade Finland. He explains how these battles shaped the struggle for Leningrad and how they impacted other theaters of operation along the Eastern Front; eventually forcing the Germans into their long and costly retreat back toward Berlin.Glantz also provides insights into conditions within the city; adding new details to the horrors of the siege; sheds new light on partisan warfare in the countryside surrounding Leningrad; and corrects errors found in earlier works; revealing among other things the fate of those Soviet commanders who were purged or repressed because of their poor performance in battle.Based on an unparalleled access to Russian archival sources and going far beyond the military aspects of such renowned works as Harrison Salisbury's 900 Days; Glantz's book is a testament to the nearly two million Russians who lost their lives during the Leningrad conflict and confirms his status as the preeminent authority on the Russian military experience in World War II.
#407125 in Books University Press of Kansas 1985-12-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.48 x .79 x 5.46l; .99 #File Name: 0700603115376 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Forrest McDonald is one of the greatest living American historiansBy Russell L. BlaylockForrest McDonald is one of the greatest living American historians. This book should not only be on the bookshelf of all those who enjoy readings about the American founding; but should be carefully read and re-read. Each readings gives a deeper understanding of the miracle of the foundation of this nation. Excellent!!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Boring read.By griffineireInteresting subject but the book is soooooo boring. I had to pick a book from a list for school and this was the one I picked because it was the cheapest but it was a very boring read.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. excellent bookBy Robert W. Smithi really appreciate the work that this author has put into this book. it is an outstanding review of the traditions; customs; and thoughts of the colonial period with brief discussion of the pre-colonial foundations. i learned so much from this work! i plan to re-read it in a year or two to gather new information. this is highly recommended for all of us who have wondered; "where did the framers come up with that idea?". now; we have a better clue. i give this 5 stars and a solid "A". it is highly recommended.
