Format: PaperbackChange
Price:$17.01+ Free shipping with Amazon Prime
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
on September 11, 2013
for the record, I have only finished reading the first third of this book so far; but, from what I have read so far, I can honestly say that this book is one of the most informative and detailed writings about how, strategically, modern warfare should be conducted. manstein is, indeed, a very skillful and intelligent war commander. he teaches you that wars are fought (and won) primarily by intellect and careful planning, not by sheer strength, trench warfare, and availability of weapons only. my personal advice here? just try to withstand the intensity of the information in the first third of the book, and then hopefully you can enjoy benefitting from the richness of the information in the rest of it less intensely. history would be different if more kinds of a unique book like this were disseminated more...
on October 23, 2016
A great book for anyone who studies WW2. Manstein's book covers many interesting topics including what he thought of the German military organizational structures, different military strategies that he suggested to the staff and Hitler to employ which some were followed and others were not. The author also gives interesting insights into what it was like to work with Hitler and what he was good at and where Hitler got in the way. The only thing I felt was lacking in this book was perspective of What was going on in the other theatres
on December 5, 2012
This book is excellent if one likes personal memoirs. Manstein explains war from the German perspective and cites numerous military strategy, troop movement, logistics, tactical plans, victories and, defeats, while providing the reader a personal account of war. This book touches minimally on the politics of war and, there is no mention of the holocaust...the focus is on war waged by Germany.
Lost Victories is well written and transcribed from the German language.
Manstein provides an unvarnished picture of war and, engagement with the Russians on the eastern front. Why and how Stalingrad was lost is clarified, albeit through Manstein's view of world war II.
Hitler is also described (not in depth) from Manstein's personal view, which, will intrigue the reader. Manstein who was arguably Germany's best general shares a glimpse of his personal bias, prejudice, allegiance to Germany, and, duty as a German Officer.
As one who reads historical well researched military text, books, biography, and memoirs I highly recommend this book.
Lost Victories is well written and transcribed from the German language.
Manstein provides an unvarnished picture of war and, engagement with the Russians on the eastern front. Why and how Stalingrad was lost is clarified, albeit through Manstein's view of world war II.
Hitler is also described (not in depth) from Manstein's personal view, which, will intrigue the reader. Manstein who was arguably Germany's best general shares a glimpse of his personal bias, prejudice, allegiance to Germany, and, duty as a German Officer.
As one who reads historical well researched military text, books, biography, and memoirs I highly recommend this book.
on March 30, 2015
Great book. One can gain insight into both the mind of Hitler and that of his greatest generals. This will be useful to anyone but a complete novice on the subject of WWII. It is probably a bit heavy for a first time student of WWII, e.g., most teenagers.
Manstein was both able to exploit advantages his side had and blunt advantages the enemy had; he was a true military genius. Having studied WWII in great depth from many angles, mostly strategic angles, this book provided new insight for me as to the inner workings and constraints of Hitler's army that I didn't find elsewhere. It is also interesting for those who like to ponder, "What if...?"
Manstein was both able to exploit advantages his side had and blunt advantages the enemy had; he was a true military genius. Having studied WWII in great depth from many angles, mostly strategic angles, this book provided new insight for me as to the inner workings and constraints of Hitler's army that I didn't find elsewhere. It is also interesting for those who like to ponder, "What if...?"
on February 12, 2017
An even-tempered and too-forgiving professional. He hardly berates the cowardly Italians, Rumanians, and Hungarians who broke and ran when facing more manly Slavs.
on July 15, 2016
I don't know whether they still read Caesar's "Commentaries" at West Point. "Lost Victories" seems almost in the same category. Neither the legions of the Empire nor the Whermacht will be seen again. Another global conflict would, thanks to technical "progress", destroy what we call civilization. If one wants a feeling for how terrible the conflict in the Soviet Union was, books by lower ranking soldiers are more to the point. Still, Von Manstein was the master of his art, and it is not pleasant to think of the possibilites that would have arisen if he and his fellow professionals had had full control of the German forces. His counteroffensive after the Stalingrad catastrophe was amazing. Whatever his moral failures were, Von Manstein is one of history's great captains. Those interested in the military history of WWII, the book is, of course, required reading.
on July 15, 2011
Erich von Manstein is widely seen as the greatest commander of World War II, in Lost Victories he shares his experiences. He first served as chief of staff to von Rundstedt and assisted in the invasion of Poland. He devised the plan for the invasion that struck through the Ardennes, and convinced Hitler to adopt it leading to victory. He led a Panzer Corp in Operation Barbarossa taking it to the gates of Leningrad, he later led an army that captured the Crimean Peninsula from far superior Russian forces. Manstein describes these early battles very well and in great detail. He describes the disaster at Stalingrad and the ill-fated relief attempt and Hitler's refusal to authorize a breakout. His classic "backhand blow" at Kharkov is one of the best parts of the book. The one drawback of the book is the chapter on Kursk that is only a few pages. He ended his career retreating in the face of far superior Russian forces inflicting heavy casualties on them and still winning some minor successes. Hitler finally fired him over constant disagreements over strategy.
on April 20, 2016
If you're going to read this book I suggest (unless you have intimate knowledge of eastern front and its geographical layout) keep a map handy so you can place where they are while reading. Easy to get confused without it. The map will help the book come alive for you as the author presupposes this understanding. Terrific read free of political opinion. While I must assume that Manstein knew of some of the atrocities being committed he was not a Nazi sympathizer as evidenced by his description of Hitler's military prowess. Smart military man, good thing he had an idiot for a boss.
on June 3, 2000
Upon reading this book it would appear Manstein not only had a talent with the sword but also the pen. Manstein's book is a very readable account of his war time experiences. Included in his book is the demise of the OKH ( General Staff of the Army) through its lack of decisiveness in making a military decision.The formulation, acceptance and implementation of the "Mainstein Plan" which was adopted for the offensive in the West as other plans would NOT acheive total victory. Mainstein shares his simplistic but interesting views on how the Battle of Britain should have been fought.
He then takes us through his brillant victories in the Crimea which were acheived againsnt overwhelming numbers and where his successes were largely acheived through having a free hand and no interference from Hitler. Mainstein devotes a chapter on Hitler as Supreme Commander and analyses Hitlers strengths and many weaknesses.
There is a fascinating detailed account of the German tragedy at Stalingrad and how the beleaguered Sixth Army had the opportunity to break out towards Mainstein's relief forces. However the opportunity was lost due to the Army's hesitation and Hitlers insistence Stalingrad must be held. The sacrifice of the Sixth Army however gave time for other Army Groups to leap frog back to safety and deal a counter blow at Kharkov.
One diappointing feature of the book is the short chapter devoted to operation "Citadel" ( or the battle of Kursk). This is because the translators of the book have taken a much shorter translation than what was orginally contributed by the author. I would be most interested in obtaining the orginal full length translation.
Mainsteins views on how operations should be fought subsequent to Kursk were constantly at odds with Hitlers views on holding onto everything. This along with some other top Nazi Party members insistence that Manstein was a defeatist guaranteed his dimissal in April 1944.
This book is a MUST READ and indispensable to anyone with an interest in the Second World War.
He then takes us through his brillant victories in the Crimea which were acheived againsnt overwhelming numbers and where his successes were largely acheived through having a free hand and no interference from Hitler. Mainstein devotes a chapter on Hitler as Supreme Commander and analyses Hitlers strengths and many weaknesses.
There is a fascinating detailed account of the German tragedy at Stalingrad and how the beleaguered Sixth Army had the opportunity to break out towards Mainstein's relief forces. However the opportunity was lost due to the Army's hesitation and Hitlers insistence Stalingrad must be held. The sacrifice of the Sixth Army however gave time for other Army Groups to leap frog back to safety and deal a counter blow at Kharkov.
One diappointing feature of the book is the short chapter devoted to operation "Citadel" ( or the battle of Kursk). This is because the translators of the book have taken a much shorter translation than what was orginally contributed by the author. I would be most interested in obtaining the orginal full length translation.
Mainsteins views on how operations should be fought subsequent to Kursk were constantly at odds with Hitlers views on holding onto everything. This along with some other top Nazi Party members insistence that Manstein was a defeatist guaranteed his dimissal in April 1944.
This book is a MUST READ and indispensable to anyone with an interest in the Second World War.
