KV-1 & 2 Heavy Tanks 1939-45 (New Vanguard) [Paperback]

Steven Zaloga (Author), Peter Sarson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: New Vanguard | Publication Date: January 15, 1996

Named after Klimenti Voroshilov, the People’s Commissar for Defence, the KVs proved a nasty surprise for German tank crews during the early days of Operation Barbarossa. Although slow, they were extremely heavily armoured. This volume examines the transition from multi-turreted tanks to heavy single-turret vehicles, consisting of the KV-1 and 2, and the increased favour given to the heavy single-turret after the Germans began to develop ammunition capable of penetrating even the thickest armour, whilst detailing the design, development and operational history of the Soviet Union’s monstrous KV series of tanks.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The unrivalled illustrated reference on fighting vehicles, transport and artillery through the ages. Each volume is illustrated throughout, making these books uniquely accessible to history enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

Steven J. Zaloga was born in 1952, received his BA in history from Union College, and his MA from Columbia University. He has published numerous books and articles dealing with modern military technology, especially armoured vehicle development. His main area of interest is military affairs in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in the Second World War, and he has also written extensively on American armoured forces.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (January 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855324962
• ISBN-13: 978-1855324961
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #748,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars KV1- yes, KV2 - not so much!, May 24, 2006

By 

D. W. Huron "DW" (South Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: KV-1 & 2 Heavy Tanks 1939-45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback)

There is not much that I can add to the already exisiting reviews except to state that the book centers around the KV 1. While it offers some text about the KV 2 it offers only 3 pictures of the KV 2 and none of the illustrations deal with the KV 2. All the illustrations revolve around the KV 1 (that's 7 plates of illustrations). So if you are into Russian tanks and especially the KV 1, this may be the book for you. If you're a KV 2 fan, then look elsewhere and do not waste your money here.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to Soviet heavy tanks, June 16, 2000

By 

Dilip Susruta Samarasinghe - See all my reviews

This review is from: KV-1 & 2 Heavy Tanks 1939-45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback)

The book studies the development and use of heavy tanks by the USSR during WW2. The main tank used was the KV-1 and its numerous derivatives, a machine which the Germans found impossible to destroy during the early years of the war. The KV series were replaced by the JS series of heavy tanks and this is also indicated in Mr Zaloga's book.I found the book interesting because it gave some insight into Soviet defence planning during wartime. There are also photographs of prototype tanks which have never been usedand never published before.This is no doubt the result of the changed international environment. I found this book interesting and full of facts and the colour plates, photograghs and line drawings good illustrations of the subject of the book.

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good concise book on the topic!, May 13, 2008

By 

Iain Williams "Iain D. Williams" (Hobart, Tasmania Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: KV-1 & 2 Heavy Tanks 1939-45 (New Vanguard) (Paperback)

An excellent introduction to Soviet KV1 and KV2 tanks with a good smattering of photographs.

Well written, concise and easy to read. I found the text interesting and wanted to read more, rather than with some vehicle books which can be very boring and long winded.

I would have liked the author to include more first hand reports of the vehicles and crew experiences. From memory there are two good accounts, but after reading the accounts you are wanting for more!

The book deals more with the KV1 and variants rather than the KV2. I would have liked more information and photographs of the KV2.

Worth the discounted price.