Achtung-Panzer!: The Development of Armoured Forces, Their Tactics and Operational Potential [Paperback]

Heinz Guderian (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1995

This is an English translation of the strategic study of tank warfare by one of its leading exponents. Written just two years before he put his theories to work in Hitler's Blitzkrieg of World War II. The theories of Heinz Guderain, substantially evolved from the British and French experiences from World War I, were considered revolutionary, even foolhardy. When he published his views in 1937 the book became a bestseller and yet few of the readers appreciated that the words would become the battle doctrine for Hitler's Panzer as they swept across Europe in the following five years. This translation also contains "hindsight" commentary added by Paul Harris of the War Studies Department, Sandhurst. The commentary explains Guderian's original aims and discusses how his theories were altered by practical events. The book is produced in the style of the original German book, even down to the small vehicle silhouettes used in the earlier book.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

About the Author

Born in 1888, Heinz Guderian served in World War One, came to Hitler's attention in 1935, was made corps commander of Panzer troops and promoted to General in 1938. His tanks were greatly successful in the invasions of Poland and France and, perceived as pro-Nazi, Guderian was much in favour. However, whenthe Russian invasion failed in the winter of 1941, Guderian was forced to resign, not to regain his position until 1944, when the war was all but lost. He

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Arms & Armour; Underlining edition (August 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1854092820
• ISBN-13: 978-1854092823
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #948,576 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting, July 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Achtung-Panzer!: The Development of Armoured Forces, Their Tactics and Operational Potential (Paperback)

"Achtung Panzer" is THE definitive book about German panzer theory development, tactics, and strategy by a man who should know, Heinz Guderian. Only the new WWII novel "The Triumph and the Glory" held my interest with such elan as this study of armored warfare by a master of the game. If you think this is a dry, technical book you couldn't be more mistaken, it is very well written and eminently readable. I recommend it highly!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not just about Armored Warfare, April 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Achtung-Panzer!: The Development of Armoured Forces, Their Tactics and Operational Potential (Paperback)

There is much value in this work from a historical and professional point of view. To say, however, that this is a book simply about the development of armored forces is a shallow view. The historical vignettes are excellemt; Guderian also describes how technology outran the thought process for integration and employment of armored forces---the technology and equipment changed but the tactics didn't. I found his logic and thought process applicable to today's gap between technology and our race to understand and use it efficiently.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspired and insightful work, April 23, 2000

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This review is from: Achtung-Panzer!: The Development of Armoured Forces, Their Tactics and Operational Potential (Paperback)

This book shows just how intelligent and far-seeing Guderian was. Initially the book provides an overview on weapons and tactics in the first world war, before moving on to Guderian's own ideas for the needs and tactics needed for a successful tank force. What suprised me most was how relevant his thoughts are in a modern context. This is a very interesting read for anyone interested in the late (1916-'18) WWI or tank tactics. Although I enjoyed it, I was rather put off at first as I was not expecting the in-depth analysis of WWI, however this was only momentary and I soon got really into the book.