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on July 8, 2014
There is little to add about this classic book describing the D-Day landings in Normandy. The book itself is a landmark account of the action, with an effective mix of strategic, tactical, and personal information about the world-changing events. It's not the most deeply moving WWII account that I've read, but it is clearly and coherently told, and the chaos and horrors of war are well described. I would have appreciated a few maps as the action was described. In this review, I will focus on the Kindle edition. Since I have not seen the printed edition, I might be pointing to "flaws" in the Kindle presentation that are related to limitations of the print copy. Feel free to comment if you have read the print edition.
The Kindle edition is a solid version of the text. I detected a few typos, but, overall, the transfer to electronic form has been highly successful.
My reservations about the Kindle edition are in the placement and quality of the figures. The figures are grouped at the end of the text. I much prefer having the figures placed within the text at the points where they are directly relevant. Also, the figures are displayed too small to be appreciated in much detail. I would like to see a second Kindle edition with the figures enlarged, if the originals are of sufficient quality. You might want to check out the paper edition(s) to see if reproduction of the figures is better than that of the Kindle edition.
I highly recommend this 4.5-star book to all readers. The accounts of WWII in my high school history books were completely inadequate, and this book should be part of the education of all Americans (not to mention Europeans). The current Kindle version is very good, but the figures are too small and would be better if appropriately interspersed with the text.
The Kindle edition is a solid version of the text. I detected a few typos, but, overall, the transfer to electronic form has been highly successful.
My reservations about the Kindle edition are in the placement and quality of the figures. The figures are grouped at the end of the text. I much prefer having the figures placed within the text at the points where they are directly relevant. Also, the figures are displayed too small to be appreciated in much detail. I would like to see a second Kindle edition with the figures enlarged, if the originals are of sufficient quality. You might want to check out the paper edition(s) to see if reproduction of the figures is better than that of the Kindle edition.
I highly recommend this 4.5-star book to all readers. The accounts of WWII in my high school history books were completely inadequate, and this book should be part of the education of all Americans (not to mention Europeans). The current Kindle version is very good, but the figures are too small and would be better if appropriately interspersed with the text.
on May 1, 2014
I will be on the Normandy beaches during a Seine Riverboat trip in May (70th anniversary of the allied invasion is this year), and I wanted to read about the invasion. I remembered the film of the same name seen in my youth, and not since. I found this book prefect for my purposes. and it was quite a feat by the author, who did arduous research, including interviews with all the principle generals and other officers, as well as servicemen who'd been part of it. This included not just Americans, but the other allied groups, and the Germans as well. I was astounded by the effort of Operation Overlord, and think anyone with an interest in World War II would get a great deal from this book.
on June 6, 2014
C Ryan has captured the feelings of D-Day both from the Allied side and the Nazis. Great read, tremendous pictures, detailed maps of the beaches and special features of copies of various documents. There are terrific personal stories for both sides. Very enjoyable read This book was the basis for the movie in the 60s - The Longest Day. Any WWII buff or history person will enjoy this book. Perhaps the 2nd best book I have read after S Ambrose's D-Day. Recommend.
on October 20, 2014
Having seen the movie on which this is based several times, I finally got around to reading the book, and I'm glad I did. Hollywood obviously has to go for the drama -- and this event had plenty, obviously -- but it was nice to read about the perspectives of those besides the colonels and generals. And, since so much of the author's research was done via first-person interviews, there was certainly a great deal of perspective to go around. As with the movie, it was also good to see how the day unfolded for both sides, and it gives a pretty clear idea of why D-Day was a success for the allies, just as it shows why the majority of deaths that day were on Omaha Beach.
More than most books, I think, the real genius of this version of such a critical day in world history is its informal style, and its ability to convey that even the best-laid and practiced plans don't always work out, but the mission has to go forward regardless. And, sometimes, it also helps to have a little luck. My hat is off to those who survived the day and were willing to talk to the author later and to Cornelius Ryan for creating such a readable account.
More than most books, I think, the real genius of this version of such a critical day in world history is its informal style, and its ability to convey that even the best-laid and practiced plans don't always work out, but the mission has to go forward regardless. And, sometimes, it also helps to have a little luck. My hat is off to those who survived the day and were willing to talk to the author later and to Cornelius Ryan for creating such a readable account.
on November 17, 2013
If you were only to read one book on D-Day, this is it. Of the hundreds of books written on WWII this one is the classic. It reads like a movie, you can "see" the scenes being described as you turn the pages. In spite of the fact that one already knows the outcome, you'll find yourself compelled to keep reading, to see what happens next!
This book is for anyone who has an interest in WWII history. The only other book that competes, and perhaps wins by a nose, would be "D-Day" by the late, great historian and author Stephen Ambrose. The good news is you don't have to choose between them, read them both!
This book is for anyone who has an interest in WWII history. The only other book that competes, and perhaps wins by a nose, would be "D-Day" by the late, great historian and author Stephen Ambrose. The good news is you don't have to choose between them, read them both!
on March 31, 2012
For everything I *thought* I knew about the D-Day invasion, this book (even in the first 75 pages) had me saying HOLY COW!!! I had no idea!
As a history dabbler, I did not want heavy, burdensome details (extensive listing of equipment with full nomenclature, many confusing names and places and minutiae), but I also did not want pure fluff. This book delivered with an extremely easy to read combination of facts and day-in-the-life details that brought the action to life. Jumping between the Allied and German perspective kept the momentum going and delivered suspense - even though I already knew the results.
THAT qualifies as a good book! Definitely a must read!
As a history dabbler, I did not want heavy, burdensome details (extensive listing of equipment with full nomenclature, many confusing names and places and minutiae), but I also did not want pure fluff. This book delivered with an extremely easy to read combination of facts and day-in-the-life details that brought the action to life. Jumping between the Allied and German perspective kept the momentum going and delivered suspense - even though I already knew the results.
THAT qualifies as a good book! Definitely a must read!
on May 13, 2017
I had not understood the complexity of planning for this assault. Neither was I aware of the gaps in German intelligence and follow through. The courage and determination of the physical combatants will always be vivid, but the analysis of planning and being prepared to modify of command decisions made this valuable to me.
on July 23, 2014
A very good, detailed description of preparation, execution of the greatest and largest invasion in the history of world battles...perhaps the most significant battle.
on July 2, 2014
Lots of interesting details about the planning and follow through of the attack. I also like how the author portrayed allied and German accounts of the attack to give the reader a true depiction of the days leading up and following D-Day.
