audiobook Leningrad 1941–44: The epic siege (Campaign) by Robert Forczyk in History

Review

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Coverage of the Siege; Breakout and RetreatBy Dave SchranckI've previously read the author's "Moscow 1941" and "Sevastopol 1942" and thought very highly of them so I expected this book to be good as well and so it is. This book covers from Sept 1941 when von Leeb was closing the ring around Leningrad through Feb 1944 when the Russians finally broke out and pushed the Germans back to the Panther Line. The coverage from June to August 1941 is covered in another campaign.Mr Forczyk has a talent for covering a lot of ground in a relatively few number of pages. This book is laid out in typical Osprey format; all chapters are adequately covered but the battle action is predominate; having 63 pages. Its not possible to give day to day coverage but the author does cover all key engagements; giving new students a good understanding of the siege.In the first chapter; "The Origins of the Campaign"; the author gives a brief history of the city when it was named St Petersburg and how it grew to be Russia's second largest city with over two million people as well as one of the most important industrial cities in the country where KV-1 heavy tanks are built. Before the German invasion; the war with Finland is discussed. Though gaining land near Leningrad; Russia had a dismal performance in the war. This poor performance was a key reason for Hitler attacking Russia in 1941. Other topics covered are the takeover of the Baltic States; Hitler's hatred for Bolshevisim and a brief summary of the first months of the war for AGN.Next is a two page Chronology with 43 entries which was very good. It covered the main events from 6/22/41 to 1/29/44 and will help the reader visualize the sequence of events described in the Siege section.Opposing Plans was good but a little brief but that's the Osprey effect taking over. On the German side; it covers the encirclement of Leningrad; the linking with the Finns; losing most of its armor to AGC and going from assault to siege mode. The Russian plans were simple: keep the Germans out of Leningrad and find a way to breakout.Opposing Commanders had good coverage. On the German side Leeb; Kuchler; Lindermann; Wengler and Leyser are covered. The Russian side was more extensive and included Popov; Voroshilov; Zhdanov; Khozin; Meretskov; Govorov; Fediuninsky and Simoniak. The portraits of most of these generals were present. I was surprised to see von Leeb's picture was missing.Mr Forczyk devotes 10 pages to Opposing Forces which includes Orders of Battle for the start of 1942 and 1944. The rest of the chapter was not devoted to the individual listing of divisions that deployed for each side but the coverage of select topics that were very interesting and not usually covered very well in other books. Topics include : the Lodoga Flotilla; the Red Banner Fleet; coastal artillery; artillery bombardment capabilities among other things.The battle action begins in this campaign in September 1941 with Leeb trying to close the ring around the city. Battles include Krasnogvardeisk; Tikhvin; Kirishi; Uritsk. Coverage of Myasnoy Bor; Lyuban and the Volkhov line is also given. As time passes; Manstein arrives with his 11th Army and Operation Northern Light; Pulkovo Heights; Kolpino salient and the destruction of 2nd Shock Army; crossing the Neva River; the Siniavino Offensive and Oranienbaum is covered. In Aftermath; coverage of the breakout in early 1944 is given with the pushing of the German front back to the Panther Line. The author ends the narrative with his Analysis. The German assault of Leningrad was a strategic failure but it tied up nine Soviet Armies for 3 years. The author provides the cost of the campaign and gives low marks to 18th Army and the Luftwaffe for lackluster performance. Other key points are also covered. At the beginning of the war; Hitler was so determined to flatten the city and kill all of its citizens but when the demands on AGC and AGS increased; the priority on Leningrad slipped.There are six 2-D maps and two 3-D maps and all of them are excellent; especially the 2-D maps. They include Axis advance from August 20th to November 9th; the Lyuban Offensive in Jan 1942; Operation Northern Light; the second Siniavino Offensive; Operation Spark in 1943 and the Oranienbaum breakout in Jan 1944. Its customary to have commentary with the 3-D maps but this time; the 2-D maps also received helpful commentary. It was a nice touch. These maps are good enough to use while reading other books on the campaign. There were several colorful illustrations and many photos to study. A good Bibliograhy and Index is provided.I thought this to be an excellent summary and a great place to begin. If you want further reading the bibliography provided will help. I highly recommend this book to new students and collectors alike.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Outstanding Overview and Summary of a Three Year SiegeBy WryGuy2"Leningrad 1941-44: The epic siege"; by Robert Forczyk; is an entry in the Osprey "Campaign" series dealing with the nearly 900 day siege of Leningrad during World War II. The book follows the typical Osprey Campaign format - typically about 96 pages long; consisting of analysis of the campaign; commanders; forces and styles of warfare; pictures; illustrations; and maps.Mr. Forczyk does an outstanding job of explaining the origin and chronology of the campaign and well as describing each side's strengths; weaknesses; and the commanders involved for both sides and strategies for both sides. The action begins in September 1941 as Army Group North arrives near Leningrad and attempts to encircle the city; and continues through the ensuing siege; various Soviet offensives; German counterstrokes; until the Germans are finally pushed back in 1944 and the siege is broken. The multitude of artwork; pictures; and maps provided are first rate.Osprey's campaign series are typically more of an introduction and overview rather than the definitive tome on a given subject; and are accurately aimed at several target audiences. As such; this book; at 96 pages cover to cover; is more of an overview of the siege rather than a deeply detailed study. As usual; though; Mr. Forczyk achieves more than that; primarily due to his mastery of his subject matter and his ability to distill large amounts of information into a small; but interesting; package. This book provides a good summary of the major events of the siege in tight; concise volume; and also serves as a good companion to the larger works on Leningrad.Highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent history given its lengthBy Louis S. MenyhertExcellent history given its length. Forczyk always provides a professional and balanced examination of all factors impacting on a ca;paign. Higly recommend.