ISBN: 9781849086479
Hardback containing 424 pages
Published October 2011
Author: Chris McNab

introduction

Due to the unique nature of this book, I am not reviewing it in my standard method. This book is a tome of previous Osprey titles on Hitler’s war machine. It is not all of those books in total as that would create a work of probably several thousand pages. This book condenses the previous titles and picks the key elements of each.

in brief

Hitler’s Armies, A history of the German War Machine 1939–45 is 424 pages in eight chapters and an index:

1. Introduction: A Phoenix From The Ashes
2. Blitzkrieg: Hitler’s War Machine Unleashed, 1939-40
3. North Africa And The Balkans, 1940-43
4. Operation Barbarossa And The War In The East 1941–43
5. Italy And The Western Front 1943-44
6. The Final Defeats: Retreat To The Fatherland 1943–45
7. Conclusion
8. Further Reading
9. Index

Artwork:
Author Chris McNab fortified his text with scores of original artwork by Osprey artists, as well as scores of photographs, black and white, and even original color. Side bars and informational panels explain and clarify the graphics that support the text. Charts and tables further support the text and enlighten the reader.

According to Osprey:
The definitive work on Hitler’s war machine charting its evolution from the formidable force which won stunning victories during the Blitzkrieg in 1940, to the hard campaigns it fought in the deserts of North Africa and the frozen wastelands of the Soviet Union to the eventual retreat to the Fatherland itself. Drawing upon Osprey Publishing’s unique archive, this volume expertly weaves together the story of the development and deployment of Hitler’s armies displayed alongside a stunning collection of original artwork and photographs to show the kit and equipment of the various land forces.

Conclusion

While no book is perfect, Mr. McNab has done a remarkable job condensing this huge task into an informative and useable book. I highly recommend it!