audiobook Battle: The Story of the Bulge by John Toland in History

Review

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. "The Battle of the Bulge" closely followed the landing at Normandy; a final clash with the Germn Army in Belgian winter.By Thomas C.; MartinHistory singles out certain events to feature as running points in wars. The anniversaries of specific battles and victories are observed and celebrated with films; books; newspaper articles and special television programs. In the process; other battles; many times more meaningful and significant that those immortalized; go relatively unnoticed. The "Battle of the Bulge" was one of those put into a shadow by the celebrated victory that resulted from the famous united attack by allied troops. ships and planes at Normandy Beach. Some histories declare that "D-Day" marked the end of the War in Europe. This book describes the battle in Europe that began as those troops marched from Normandy toward Berlin. It mentions the great success of the secret strategies that led to Normandy; and the shock that led the German high command generals to suggest to Adolf Hitler that it would be advisable for Germany to surrender; while there was still time to negotiate. Hitler; however; possessed with the belief that he was invincible and a brilliant strategist ordered his armies to resist the allied forces; and to make their way to a major east-west river; follow it and take over a major allied supply port; thus; in his crazed imagination; would turn the tide of the war. His generals followed orders. The tremendous clash between these two forces occurred; not on a classic rolling; chessboard battle field; but on narrow mountain and valley roads in the dead of winter; among quaint villages and two lane dirt roads; some of which ended nowhere; in a region that saw no reason to make roadmaps. Visibility beyond a few hundred yards was often impossible; as the skies denied air cover over stormy mountains; and commanders of tank divisions on both sides; leading columns of tens of thousands of troops; in both directions; often encountered each other by surprise. Combat units proceeding to a common destination from different directions ran into confusion at uncharted intersections; bridges were built and blown; supply trains bogged down; and ubiquitous deployments of strategically placed tank destroyers covered narrow passes on mountain roads. The Battle of the Bulge became headline material when one American General; stalled in a primitive Belgian forest; his troops surrounded by German tank divisions; received a message from the German commanding general; suggesting he surrender. He sent his reply back via the German messenger; written in German: "NERTZ!!" this determination and courage typified the spirit of our troops as they suffered massive casualties and setbacks; but won that battle and eventually reached Berlin. The account is filled with the unique; innovative imaginations of military leaders on both sides; cut off from orders from a central command; creating their own strategies and tactics; successfully prevailing over massive opposition. This is the wear that was maybe too complex and daunting to describe; even after it was over;]. There are many veterans still around who were there. This book is written for them; includes many of their names; and reveres the incredible courage and travail of those troops as they fought under horrendous conditions. "Battle" is an understated title. as the "Battle of the Bulge" was a campaign; the last leg of the most terrible war in world history. No military library is complete without this book and the accounts it contains..2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. There are many fine books about the Battle of the BulgeBy A PurchaserThere are many fine books about the Battle of the Bulge. This is arguably the very best of them all. Some of the books are like an "after-action" report; dealing with the battle in such military detail that; while historically vital; they are difficult to read for enjoyment. Other books focus on one aspect of the battle only; for example; on the experience of one small unit; and so do not give the reader the "big picture" of this vast; sprawling; intensely complex campaign. By contrast; John Toland's "Battle" gives the big picture; historically detailed but in an amazingly interesting and human manner. If you can only read one book about the battle of the Ardennes; this is the one you should choose. Toland is both a fine historian and a magnificent story teller. He ranks with Walter Lord; Stephen Ambrose; and other great story tellers who have created superb books about the Second World War. Highly recommended!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful bookBy S. ChaseI would give this five stars; but the typos were EVERYWHERE throughout the book. That said; the book was engaging and written with such detail that the few maps were enough to orient one's mental images. I have read a few accounts of the battle; so when I get to read many personal stories; I am pleased. This is a very good book.