D-Day: The Greatest Invasion: An Illustrated History

Book DescriptionIt was the greatest invasion of all time. Early on the morning of June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy-not only streaming from the sea but also sweeping in from the air-and launched a massive assault on Nazi-occupied France. In sixteen unforgettable hours, these heroic men succeeded in breaching the Third Reich's impregnable defenses, leading the way to the liberation of Europe.As the sixtieth anniversary approaches, those who remember that epic invasion are rapidly dwindling in number. Now, their gripping eyewitness accounts-most of them never before published-are woven into an authoritative new look at that unforgettable "longest day" by distinguished military historian Dan van der Vat. This book captures and preserves for a new generation all the human drama and heroism that marked D-Day. Richly illustrated with hundreds of historical photographs-many from private photo albums-as well as personal artifacts, dramatic paintings by the many war artists on the scene, and modern color photographs, this is the definitive history of one of the most important dates of the twentieth century.From Publishers WeeklyThis fluently written and lavishly illustrated volume on the Normandy invasion and campaign covers ground that will be familiar to many readers, but offers many details (such as the different weather requirements of different services) that some longer books slide over. It also shifts with ease from grand strategy to tactics, from individual memoirs (frequently accompanied by photographs of the narrators, looking incredibly young in June 1944) to logistics (including such aspects of that essential subject as the Mulberry artificial harbors). The author keeps his promise to tell a "warts and all" story of the campaign and also exhibits admirable balance among the Allies' contribution (the Canadians are honored ) and on such controversial questions as Field Marshal Montgomery's strategy and tactics. All this is done in few enough words to leave room for an exceptional array of graphic material, including highly readable maps, classic war paintings and abundant photographs, few of them overused. As an introduction by John S.D. Eisenhower puts it, the book "recognizes that the everyday solider really occupies center stage."From BooklistVan der Vat, an author of fine naval histories, grew up in Nazi-occupied Holland, which he alludes to in this abundantly illustrated survey of the operation that ultimately liberated him. His final words here--that the victory D-Day brought for millions like him "was freedom: the gift of life itself"--implicitly upbraid the prevalent attitude of indifference toward the stream of new World War II books. Although not a paean by any means, van der Vat's work borders its centerpiece--a narrative from the landings to the German rout at Falaise--with appreciation for the Allied soldiers, especially the Canadians (they liberated van der Vat's town). The German side of the equation is not slighted, however, contributing its element to what is a complete package, both in images (e.g., the Robert Capa landing photos) and explanations, of Normandy's carnage of nearly a half million dead and injured. Precise and balanced, van der Vat's text is an excellent introduction to D-Day, in anticipation of its sixtieth anniversary next year.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 Gilbert TaylorBook Dimension length: (cm)25.9 　　　 　　　　　 　　　　　 width:(cm)26.3

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