Stalingrad to Berlin German de

Using mostly German documents, Mr Ziemke has produced a very good summary of the war and is a good counterbalance to John Erickson's book which uses Russian records. Though Mr Ziemke's book is commendable and has a lot going for it, its not quite as comprehensive as Erickson's. Quoting page numbers is not the best method to convey thoroughness but its convenient and will give an indication. Both authors cover the exact same timeframe and Mr Ziemke takes 504 pages to tell it, Mr Erickson takes 640 pages. (Includes only the narrative). Another example would be Operation Citadel. Mr Ziemke uses only 11 pages while Mr Erickson uses 49 pages. The Citadel section was disappointing in the reviewed book but the author does cover some of the less popular engagements that some authors minimize: coverage along the Dniepr in late 1943, the important communication center of Krivoi Rog, the assault on AGC in June 1944, the assault on Dniestr, Rumania, Budapest, Warsaw, Berlin and many other engagements. The coverage is concise but informative; besides the key locations, the key commanders are covered as well as specific unit designations in most cases is given while describing those engagements. There is some coverage of the air war but not enough. There are several features in his book that surpass Erickson's. That would be maps and photos. Mr Ziemke provides 42 quality maps. I personally liked the style and found them to be quite helpful, providing ample information, in following the narrative. There were 73 photos, comprising of key people and battle scenes which were also very good. The author closes with a brief chapter of conclusions, an Appendix, Notes, reading suggestions and an Index. Though printed in 1968, this book and the companion book that covers the first 16 months of the war are still quite valuable and are recommended for anybody looking for a summary of the war.

This book exposes clearly what happened in land operations in the second part of Eastern front war. Rates in the Erickson's league, probably not in detail but with more clear maps.

Ziemke's work, although based primarily on German sources, it still the most accurate general history of the Eastern Front. For example, it is the only general history that does not repeat the myth of the Battle of Prokhorovka. Recommended as the starting point for studying the Eastern Front.