Norman Davies: NO SIMPLE VICTORY (1 Viewer)

[Saber]

Just started this book yesterday and it is pretty interesting. The author covers some ground that may be uncomfortable for some but it is thought provoking. If you are looking for some probing debate on the war, especially the eastern front this book might be for you. I'll post again when I've finished it.

 

[Russell]

If this is the same Norman Davies that I'm thinking of, and I think it is, it is probably well done. I read his book titled, 'Europe,' and learnt a lot from it. It's a huge thing and I read it as a member of a book club, otherwise, good as it is, I might not have had the courage to read it from cover to cover.
I believe someone told me that his wife is East-European and that East-European history is his specialty. I might have a look at the one you mention for summer cottage reading.

 

[Saber]

Yes, it's the same author. His specialty is clear in this current book as he spends a great deal of time discussing not only eastern front ops vs western front but also of the political situation with much influence placed on eastern Europe. Much of the between war history of central/eastern Europe is ignored or relegated to a footnote in western studies of this conflict. Davies does a good job of bringing to light the total military and political landscape that would erupt into WWII. I'm about 2/3 finished, it's around 500 pages, and have really enjoyed it. Parts of it can be disjointed as he moves from political to military topics or east to west geographies, but not unreasonably so when dealing with such a broad topic. Definitely recommend the book.