Barbarossa

An authoritative account of the epic clash between two infamous dictators of the twentieth century, Hitler and Stalin, as they vied for supremacy during World War II.
 
Exploring in detail the German and Soviet armies in 1941, The Eastern Front covers the most infamous campaigns and offensive operations of this colossal campaign. In June 1941 it was Hitler’s fateful decision to launch Operation Barbarossa, the largest invasion ever seen, when 138 German divisions invaded the Soviet Union. Four years later, some two million German soldiers and 11 million Russian soldiers had been killed in the course of their struggle, with names like Stalingrad and Kursk burnt into the world’s consciousness. A selection of action photos plus outstanding maps, illustrations, and art showcase the main battles, vehicles, uniforms, maps, and equipment.

On July 5, 1943, the greatest land battle in history began when Nazi and Red Army forces clashed near the town of Kursk, on the western border of the Soviet Union. Code named “Operation Citadel,” the German offensive would cut through the bulge in the eastern front that had been created following Germany’s retreat at the battle of Stalingrad. But the Soviets, well-informed about Germany’s plans through their network of spies, had months to prepare. Two million men supported by 6,000 tanks, 35,000 guns, and 5,000 aircraft convened in Kursk for an epic confrontation that was one of the most important military engagements in history, the epitome of “total war.” It was also one of the most bloody, and despite suffering seven times more casualties, the Soviets won a decisive victory that became a turning point in the war. With unprecedented access to the journals and testimonials of the officers, soldiers, political leaders, and citizens who lived through it, The Battle of the Tanks is the definitive account of an epic showdown that changed the course of history.