In 1683; an Ottoman army that stretched from horizon to horizon set out to seize the “Golden Apple;†as Turks referred to Vienna. The ensuing siege pitted battle-hardened Janissaries wielding seventeenth-century grenades against Habsburg armies; widely feared for their savagery. The walls of Vienna bristled with guns as the besieging Ottoman host launched bombs; fired cannons; and showered the populace with arrows during the battle for Christianity's bulwark. Each side was sustained by the hatred of its age-old enemy; certain that victory would be won by the grace of God.The Great Siege of Vienna is the centerpiece for historian Andrew Wheatcroft's richly drawn portrait of the centuries-long rivalry between the Ottoman and Habsburg empires for control of the European continent. A gripping work by a master historian; The Enemy at the Gate offers a timely examination of an epic clash of civilizations.
#735967 in Books NAL Trade 2013-06-04 2013-06-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.11 x 5.98l; 1.10 #File Name: 045123989X501 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Courage and TragedyBy CustomerLike a lot of students of WWII; i have read Cornelius Ryan's A Bridge Too Far and watched the movie numerous times; thinking I had a good grasp of the madness and disaster Market-Garden was. Wrong; so wrong. John C. McManus' stirring tale in September correct that in an eloquent story from the American perspective. He gives us the strategic perspective but also takes us to the platoon level to stand; fight; duck for cover; get wounded and die from this horrendous battle. I greatly appreciated his portrait of Gen. James Gavin and how he led by example amongst his men. McManus also shows us a much more angry and concerned Julian Cook who saw the crossing of the Waal River as a very dangerous undertaking not the casual Robert Redford adventure. McManus doesn't hesitate to put the blame for the disaster of Market-Garden where it belongs: on the shoulders of the Allied Supreme Commander; Eishennower;A great telling of a horrendous battle that accomplished nothing but a cruel sacrifice of brave men.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I found the book a very good read of Montgomery's Market GardenBy Willem Ridder - Author Countdown to FreedomI found the book a very good read of Montgomery's Market Garden; an operation he clearly lost. McManus missed a few things however. During this period there was a significant battle in and around Overloon. That was not mentioned. There is a large museum in Overloon and it is worth visiting.What I also missed was a reference to the small diary of Montgomery that he kept since El Alamein. He would write about the battles he fought and Churchill whenever he had a chance would add his comments. In the end the little book was called "Ten Chapters". Just about every significant player's signature is included including German generals. What is interesting is that at the end Churchill comments that Montgomery had never lost a major battle. Operation Market Garden that cost the British their Airborne Division at Arnhem is never even mentioned. According to Montgomery the operation was 90% successful. Just ask US Generals what hey had to say about this operation; in particular General Gavin. I suggest people read my book: Countdown to Freedom. I was there in Holland at that time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Greatr Read!By Josh's DadExcellent read! A view of Operation Market Garden that you didn't see in A Bridge too Far. Not just the strategy and tactics; successes and failures; but great first hand interviews with the trauma of combat that no one should have to experience. I have read several of Dr. McManus' books and have found all of them readable and informative.
