Operation Barbarossa 1941: Hitler Against Stalin

Description

Operation Barbarossa was the largest military campaign in history. Springing from Hitler's fanatical desire to conquer the Soviet territories, defeat Bolshevism and create 'Lebensraum' for the German people, it pitted two diametrically opposed armed forces against one another. The invasion began with 4.5 million troops attacking 2.3 million defenders. On one side was the Wehrmacht, without any doubt the world's most advanced military force. On the other were the Soviet armed forces, downtrodden, humiliated, decapitated and terrorized by an autocratic and crude dictator with no military education whatsoever. Based on decades of research work in both German and Russian archives, as well as interviews with a large number of key figures and veterans, Operation Barbarossa brings our knowledge on the war on the Eastern Front several big steps forward. It reveals and dispels many myths and misconceptions including: the myth of mass surrenders by Soviet soldiers; the myth about the vast differences in troop casualties between the two sides; the myth of the Soviet partisans and the myth that it was the Arctic cold that halted the German offensive.
It also does not shy away from difficult truths such as the true nature of Finland's participation in Operation Barbarossa, and the massive scale of rapes committed by German troops. Illustrated with over 250 photos, many never previously published, and several clear and detailed maps, this is an objective, balanced account, published in time for the 75th anniversary of the start of Operation Barbarossa on 22nd June 2016. Christer Bergstrom has once again produced what will be the definitive account of this monumental campaign. "Even readers with a great knowledge on the subject will have much to learn from this book. Bergstrom presents several totally new aspects. For anyone who wants to understand Operation Barbarossa from the perspective of both sides, this is a must-have book." - Niclas Sennerteg, military historian and author of several books on World War II.

Reviews

The text with all of its tons of details of the day to day operations and human involvement is without a doubt the best covering of this campaign in print. A Wargamer's Needful Things It is easy enough for a first-time student of the eastern front, but thoughtful enough for those who have done extensive reading. Bergstrom is better at posing important questions than he is at answering them. I found myself thinking this book is the beginning of several debates, not the end. Armor Modeling and Preservation Society Bergstrom offers far more verifiable facts about far more facets of the war. In particular, he quotes specific numbers of tanks, troops, casualties, aircraft, victories, losses, and more...Operation Barbarossa 1941: Hitler against Stalin is one of the results of that progress in scholarship, bringing better accuracy, balance, and clarity to the old story. -- Bill Stone Stone Books Barbarossa was a huge and complex operation launched in the summer of 1941. Using a wealth of photographs and maps Chrster Bergstrom delivers an infromative and easy to follow account of the titanic and desperate struggle that ensued. 5 stars -- Becky Clark Soldier Magazine Christer Bergstrom has once again produced what will be the definitive account of this monumental campaign. -- Paul Norman Books Monthly This book form Christer Bergstrom is illustrated with over 250 photographs, many of which have never been published, and is awash with maps and illustrations. Operation Barbarossa 1941: Hitler Against Stalin is a balanced and objective account that marks the 75th anniversary. -- Rebecca Lawther Warfare

Author description

Christer Bergstrom has published 23 books on World War II. He specialises on World War Two and in the past has focussed on the Eastern Front. Previous bestsellers "The Ardennes" and "Battle of Britain" sold over 3,000 copies within six months.