Customer Reviews

West Point Atlas for the Second World War: Europe and the Mediterranean (West Point Military History)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the past I had tried very hard to get a copy of this atlas, with no such luck. This atlas was just re-released. This atlas contains full page maps covering different stages of the war in Europe, North Africa & Italy. There is NO informational text to go along with the maps. At the beginning of the Atlas, there is a Map Key to explain what all the symbols on the maps are. The maps mostly cover big or huge areas. There are very few maps covering small towns or battles; the majority of the maps (99%) show the whole broad operational movements. One main reason I was interested in buying this atlas is that it does not cover the Pacific theater, since my main interest is in European Theater Battles. The Atlas also covers only land battles no naval stuff here.

West Point has done a fantastic job drafting these maps. All are well organized with a simple key and easy to understand troop movements. The complaint of that these are only maps without explanations is correct, but when accompanied by West Point's "The Second World War: Europe and the Mediterranean" book, they work together perfectly. These are perfect for anyone willing to break out of learning basic WWII history and wants to get into the more advanced theories of strategy, tactics, supply, etc.

This is a large atlas; its 14 in by 10 in. Its 65 maps cover Finland, Norway, Eastern Front, North Africa and Europe. The maps take up the full page and is accompanied by a page describing the action depicted on the map. There are varying scales to this atlas but many are in the 25 miles to the inch range.
The maps are black and white while the participants are in red and blue. Maps include key cities, rivers and other terrain features.
The reason for only 4 stars is the scaling on some of the maps is off. The author shows too much territory, making the key area of the battle smaller than it had to be. If less area was shown, the pertinent area could be larger and easier to see and greater detail could be given. The battle of Kursk on page 51 is a good example.
Though these maps aren't in color, they're relatively effective and anybody who collects atlases should consider this one.

This is exactly what I was looking for...

Time line maps from Day 1 to the end, all theatre cover.

It could have been more detail, but would have cost too much.
This is the book to have when you read all other missing so much info on the place, names and region of conflict.

I thought that the maps would be more detailed then they were. I was disappointed in the book.