Customer Reviews

The Battle of the Bulge

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This was originally published as part of the complete series of official volumes of the history of the army in WWII. Its great that some of these volumes are now being separately printed. It is not for the casual reader, as it was intended to be an operational and strategic level description of the formations involved in the Ardennes. It is very dry, but for the historical minded, priceless. The maps are good, but the insert maps from the originals published for the army were what you want to see, if you ever get a chance.

A reprint from the Army historical series on World War Two. I read and re read this work from libraries and online, but always the maps were missing. These maps are simply the best I've seen at showing terrain and accurate troop deployments.

While the text does focus more on the American side, and some inaccuracies about the Germans do exist, at this price this volume belongs on any Bulge or WWII enthusiast's bookshelf.

There is a number of fine full length books on the "Bulge" but this is my favorite. The author's writing style appeals to me and his coverage in both small and large engagements is very good. The book is laid out logically and chronologically.
It starts with Hitler's reasons for the offensive, the extensive planning of it and the assembly of the men and supplies to the front. Throughout this process the security was so good the American consensus failed to see it coming. The terrain and road system is so important to both sides and Mr Cole spends appropriate time on it. The armies are next to be covered, giving the the pros and cons to each army and its commander.
Most of the rest of the book describes the battle action, from the division or corps level and also from the individual and company level.
The reason why I like this book is not only the battle narrative is good, it also comes with the best maps I've seen of the campaign. It really helps you understand the text. Besides the great maps, it also has photos of all the key villages and towns that are involved in the battle. It helps tremendously your understanding of the scale, action and plight of the battles.
This is a large book, being almost 11 in by 9 in and has over 700 pages including index. It packs a lot of information on this critical campaign. Even if you have read other books on the offensive, I would still recommend reading this book. The odds are high it will add to your understanding and appreciation of the campaign.

Hugh Cole walks you step by step through the battle of the bulge. This book is not for the casual reader. Hugh Cole breaks down the events of the Bulge so the reader can look back refrencing the maps and piece by piece picture the whole process by which millions of of allied troops poured in on the ever dulling German spearheads. This book makes great reference material for students of WWII.

Just what is the selection process for WWII writers? Gee, here's battle in Belgium that looks interesting. It is this narrow focus on Overlord to V-E day that constricts American's understanding of WWII and all subsequent US wars. Come on guys... what about North Africa, Sicily, the Bloody Boot, Operation Dragoon, the Hageneau forest, the first patrols into Germany, the liberation of concentration camps, or the invasion of Bavaria. How about an exploration of Churchill's pressuring to take the southern invasion through what became Yugoslavia and Eisenhower's political decision to go through Alsace. Gee whiz... anything... but not another "Bulge" book.