Type of bind: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 940.5421
Format: Bargain Price
Label: Knopf
Manufacturer: Knopf
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 640
Printing Date: November 16, 2004
Publishing house: Knopf
Release Date: November 16, 2004
Sale Popularity Level: 203240
Studio: Knopf
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Rated by buyers 
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Mr. Hastings presents an excellent overview of the late war period and actually discusses the eastern front which is not covered by most books. However, the coverage of the eastern front is not nearly as detailed, especially from a military point of view as that in the west.
So long after the war, you would hope for coverage of the eastern front as detailed as that in Overlord, or at least that of the west in the same book.
Grognards will mostly not be impressed, as a few technical mistakes are made.
I held back on the 5th star because I was expecting something more like an Overlord for the eastern front.
Rated by buyers 
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In Armageddon, the author avoids the usual nationalistic hype that underlies accounts of World War II. Russia, the U. S., Britain, and Germany are described with painful objectivity in this history. Though the author is British, Montgomery's desparate attempts to play the hero are described in detail. What is truly valuable about this book is the many accounts of civilian experiences during this terrible time. This book is a must for any serious reader.
Rated by buyers -
I like the war books written by Max Hastings. I have found them to be very well-written, and remarkably readable. His output is impressive, and his books are well worth the purchase price.
He seems, to me at least, to be the master of telling stories that make all of us realize how terrible war really is.
I have had to put his books down several times, after reading accounts that make me gasp. I have not fought in any wars, and after reading Hastings' books, I am more than glad I have not.
I am not sure I agree with his opinions of various generals and leaders. He is, at least, an equal opportunity critic, and he spares no-one. I do think many generals were better than he gives them credit for being, but he is certainly entitled to his well -written opinions.
I would recommend any book by Max Hastings. Agree always, or not, he is very readable, and very good.
He captures the sheer horror of war far more effectively than nearly every current military historian.
For that reason alone, he is remarkable.
Rated by buyers -
Wow... I guess, I had heard some of this info in countless documentaries, but with all of the press about the west, I didn't realize how much carnage and turmoil was going on in the Eastern front. For instance that more Russians died conquering East Prussia than the total amount of Americans lost in all of the European theater (France, etc). Also, I suppose its beneficial that we as a people have lost our taste for this type of carnage. I mean all the killing of civillians on both fronts not to mention the horrors in the Eastern front. Well, at least they didn't force those civillians to get into a pile naked instead of kill them...Imagine that uproar. Abu Graib pails compared to the daily horrors (the women nailed to barn doors,etc) that happened in that last year alone. A very informative and interesting read to say the least, can't wait to read the Japanese book.
Rated by buyers -
I find Mr. Hastings analysis of the last eight months of the battle for Europe refreshingly different. In all my readings from Winston Churchill's Second World War to the numerous biographies of the famous participants of this conflict, there has always been a romantic and heroic writing of epic proportions. In real life this is not true.
However Mr. Hastings, an Englishman offers a very critical analysis of the English Army during this period. While it is true that English influence at this time of the struggle was both ineffective and at times bumbling, it really shows a picture which in the whole view of the conflict is unfair. It's almost like quoting out of context. If it were not for Mr. Churchill's England the war certainly would have been lost.
While it is true that the Soviet Union's contribution to the War effort was indeed large and most beneficial, this conflict would have never been resolved by them alone. In the end it truly was the United States effort which won this struggle. Without the Lend Lease Act, the American Army, Navy and Air Corps, Germany would have prevailed.
Mr. Hastings has compiled many observations by men and women on the ground during this critical time. I am also a Veteran and can recount many memories as a Junior Officer in the Vietnam Conflict. My memories are clear but they are mine. I can ask any other Vietnam Veteran if they share all my memories. I don't think so! The personal observations as written by Mr. Hastings were done very well. But remember these are mere asides in his recollection of these times. Remember the Russian soldier had no choice but to move forward. An American or Brit gave intelligent thought before they did. A true professional Teutonic, as Mr. Hastings said was truly the best soldier.
Max Hastings has put forth his theories of the culmunation of World War II in Europe. I agree with his assessment that the Western Allies were cautious. I wouldn't criticize them for this.
In general the Russians were vulgar and possessed no military elan. They were just brutal. War in itself is a crime. Russia indeed was criminal as were the Germans. The English speaking Countries turned out to be the decisive factor. In the end this is a fact.
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