The Battle of the Atlantic [Import] [Hardcover]

Andrew Williams (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: BBC Worldwide (2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 056353429X
• ISBN-13: 978-0563534297
• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,466,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Andrew Williams was born in England in 1962, and after studying English at Oxford University, worked as a newspaper journalist in London. He joined the British Broadcasting Corporation as a news trainee in 1986 and worked in current affairs as a senior producer on the BBC's flagship current affairs programmes, Panorama and Newsnight. For twelve years, he wrote and directed historical documentaries for the BBC, A and E, Discovery and other international co-producers, including the award winning, 'The Battle of the Atlantic', and he has written two best selling accounts of Second World War campaigns, 'The Battle of the Atlantic', and 'D-Day to Berlin'. His first novel, 'The Interrogator', was shortlisted for the Ian Fleming Thriller of the Year Award and the Ellis Peters Historical Fiction Award, and it was The Daily Mail's debut thriller of 2009. His second, 'To Kill A Tsar', was one of The Mail's thrillers of 2010 and is shortlisted for The Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. For background to the books and more on the author, visit: www.andrewwilliams.tv

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How the Brits beat Doenitz, June 10, 2008

By 

D. Martz (Vienna, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Battle Of The Atlantic: The Allies' Submarine Fight Against Hitler's Gray Wolves Of The Sea (Paperback)

Let's be clear about what this book is and what it isn't. It IS an enjoyable, atmospheric popular survey of the topic -- an expansion of the script of a well-done BBC documentary film written by its producer. It is NOT an in-depth history by a professional historian specializing in the subject. Its original contribution to the literature lies in some nicely selected oral history vignettes by eyewitnesses, which do not contribute important facts to the record but which definitely add a flavor of "being there".

As we would expect from the BBC, the account is basically balanced in terms of describing Allied vs. Axis hardships and sacrifices. Not surprisingly, British contributions are highlighted and there is a hint of gentlemanly joy in jabbing at US mistakes (e.g., Admiral King's obstinacy regarding use of convoys when the grey wolves came to American waters). Is there a tendency to use the term "Allied" (instead of American) in describing the triumphs of air power over the u-boats in the latter stages of the war? Perhaps just my imagination; you decide.

The most interesting individual character in this account is the German submarine navy commander, Admiral Doenitz, who tried to counter with a small staff and sheer Nazi zeal the much better staffed, financed, and more scientific British anti-submarine warfare effort.

Overall, a book well worth trying by general readers and period specialists alike.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drawing upon exclusive interviews with survivors, June 8, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Battle Of The Atlantic: The Allies' Submarine Fight Against Hitler's Gray Wolves Of The Sea (Paperback)

The Battle Of The Atlantic: The Allies' Submarine Fight Against Hitler's Gray Wolves Of The Sea is the thrilling true story of a battle waged beneath the waves in which Hitler's U-boats strived to starve Britain into submission. Drawing upon exclusive interviews with survivors on both sides of the war, including some from former U-boat members, historian and documetary producer Andrew Williams offers a fascinating account of the deadly standoff, meticulously detailing the perils faced by all involved. An expertly researched, superbly presented and greatly welcome contribution to nautical and military history reference shelves.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete Picture Battle of the Atlantic, June 9, 2008

By 

Susan Kelly (Metairie, LA, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Battle of the Atlantic (Hardcover)

Written from all points of view with survivor & combatant interviews and excellent narrative to explain what was going on with both sides. Some of the interviews are harrowing, be warned. But an excellent look at the tactics, deployment of resources by both sides during the entire war. This was a battle that ran from the opening day of the war until after D-day. It gives a clear picture of how close we came to losing this battle & consequently the war and what turned it around. There is dvd availiable too which is a must as well.