Battle for Moscow

I really enjoyed this book but its a book that you either love or hate. Its written from a German perspective and it might be considered dry for it doesn't contain individual bravery or experiences. Paradoxically I learned more about the plight of a German soldier's struggle in battle or advancing to battle than in other books. The author mentions many times how the freezing weather or heavy rains destroy roads and what it took to navigate them, how the Germans lost a lot of equipment not through battle but from the weather. I learned that the German army, only a few months into the war, was already having resupply problems that delayed their progress. Or that they didn't have the proper clothing or equipment to fight in -30 temperatures. There are more things that are brought out that if you have never been in war you wouldn't think about. The main theme of the book is about troop movements, engagements and captured cities etc but the author also talks about the German generals and especially Hitler. His comments of these leaders are poignant and ring true. I didn't realize Hitler micro managed to an unbelievable degree that made it impossible to command your army. There is info on Bock, Guderian, Hoth, Kluge, and others you will find interesting. The author closes with his assessment of the German Army and why they lost the battle. There are only a couple maps and they're modest but are of some value. If you have any interest in Operation Barbarossa or Typhoon, this book is worth reading. The book is NOT obsolete and you will learn a lot of interesting things about the war and the people in it.

This is an excellent account of the crucial battle of WW II but mostly, perhaps owing to the time's lack of good Soviet data, from the German pov. A good balance to Seaton is Alexander Werth's terrific "Russia at War 1941-45" which has an equally fine description of the battle mostly from the Russian view by a Russian-born British correspondent/historian who was in Moscow in '41. In any case, it's clear the world owes the brave Russian soldier an incredible debt for stopping one of the world's most evil maniacs while having to survive life under another.

In his days Albert Seaton was our finest military historian. He never disappointed the reader. The interested reader could always look forward to his next publication with much eagerness. Sadly, Albert Seaton is unlikely to publish any more books. That is our loss. "The Battle for Moscow" was first released in 1971, shortly following his masterpiece "The Russo-German War, 1941-45." In this regard "The Battle for Moscow" can be seen as a supplement to the former book. Just by reading "The Russo-German War" it is easy to understand why he would want to devote a whole book to the titanic struggle at the gates of Moscow.Very readable, written in a very engaging way, exciting as a thriller, this is a riveting story. Even better, the account is also well-researched, well-structured, methodical, and sensitive. Through this book you will get a real understanding of the nature of the battle.The previous reviewer Dwight gets it all wrong. He has obviously not even read the book. Perhaps he don't like the fact that Albert Seaton doesn't devote 100 % of his attention to the Soviets, but tries to give the to opposite sides as equal attention as the available sources. Mind you, not all readers of eastern front books are Sovietologists.I will advice the interested reader to disregard his advices about this book. It is a case of very ill-informed and biased criticism. Still, it is simply outragous to state that "the older books should be updated or else be allowed to fall out of print since they are historically obsolete." Any reader with an insight into the historiography would resent such an assertion.By all means read the books by Colonel Glantz and the late Professor Erickson, but please note that their books are far from definitive. Be aware of the fact that most of their research is based on Russian secondary sources rather than archival research. Most of the material in Russian archives remains out of reach for researchers, contrary to what is popularly believed. Also, their accounts of the battle for Moscow is not of the same standards as those by Albert Seaton. They neglects the German side as well.Albert Seaton's masterly account still stands firmly on its own feet, 33 years on. It is likely to remain so for decades to come. "The Battle for Moscow" is a must for anyone interested in the war between Germany and the Soviet Union.If Albert Seatons book should stimulate you to further reading on the Battle for Moscow, I will in particular recommend "Moscow to Stalingrad" by Earl F. Ziemke, "Disaster at Moscow: Von Bock's Campaigns 1941-1942" by Alfred W. Turney, and "Moscow: The Turning Point" by Klaus Reinhardt.

What made this study so enjoyable for me was Col. Seaton's strong opinions about the performances of the commanders and leaders. The man is more than willing to call a spade a spade, and he presents the facts to back up his judgments. Well written and a pleasure to read, it reminds me somewhat of Ziemke's style. Unlike many books on the Russian Front, the few maps are more than adequate and include nearly all the towns mentioned in the text.Seaton's "Russo-German War" is next on my reading list.