Berlin in the Balance, 1945-1949: The Blockade, the Airlift, the First Major Battle of the Cold War

I found this volume quite thorough with respect to its intended purpose: an account of the Cold War's first major battle. There is much for Parrish to consider, including the curious and unique status of both Berlin and Germany after the war; the place and purpose of military proconsuls; Soviet designs of expansionism; the need and manner of rebuilding a war-torn place, including the consequences of not doing such in a timely manner; and Stalin's ever ready brand of brinkmanship, just to name a few. This is not a book just about the Berlin blockade and resulting airlift, although it covers these two issues comfortably, but it is a bit grander in scope than that. Alas, much was happening between 1945 and 1949. The author provides plenty of analysis, and concludes by stating the airlift was not so much the catalyst for the formation of the new German Republic nor the genesis of the North Atlantic Treaty, but really "proved to be the hinge on which the entire era turned." Those seeking a volume focused solely on the blockade and airlift, especially a treatise more anecdotal in nature, might be best served to turn elsewhere, as there are plenty of good ones. But, in terms of describing Berlin in the balance, this book does a very nice job.