Stalingrad: Memories and Reassessments

by Joachim Wieder, Heinrich Graf Von Einsiedel

Hitler's greatest blunder, many experts agree, was his attempt to conquer Stalingrad and deny Russia the Volga River as a trade route. The most famous analysis of these ill-fated events, translated into English for the first time, features new revisions. Much more than a routine account of battle, here is a stunning review of the motivations, misplaced principles, and misguided claims that led to one of the most disastrous defeats in history.

Genres: World War II, History, Nonfiction, Germany, War, Military History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of many books I read on the eastern front while researching the topic. This is one of the many you need to read to understand the events taking place during this period. It's a very serious book with some very serious themes explored by a man who was there when it happened. For me it was interesting to see the differences in opinions in regards to responsibilty in this book, and those in Panzer Leader by Heinz Guderian (one of the panzer commanders on the eastern front)

[Donnacha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tough going, drags on and on. Goes into so much detail especially about Von Manstein, Paulus and Von Seydlitz that the reader is totally bored. It's probably only for the truly dedicated Stalingrad afficinado.

[Jacob Bergeron · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easily the most boring book I have read in a while. Super high level military strategy and things like that. The author was an officer in the general staff behind the front lines, talks mostly about the overall limitations situation and not really about experiences on the ground. Half of the book is dedicated to critiquing Manstein Paulus and Seydlitz after the war. Gave it 2 stars because the analysis of the generals is thorough, but incredibly dry. I couldn’t even finish it and skimmed the parts I did read

[Mick Maye · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent viewpoint and assessment. Views are expressed clearly and fluently.

[Astor Teller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking into account that the book was written in the 1960ies and the author was trapped in the Stalingrad pocket and then was gulaged for a decade, the work is biased and looking for who is to blame for the demise of the Sixth Army. The memoirs can be seen at some level like a self-pity for the men fighting for Hitler, but the author is aware of that as he starts thinking of the bad treatment of the defeated Russians earlier in the war, now that his army is at the losing side.

The book analysis Manstein, Paulus and Seydlitz in the second half, where the first is blamed for not taking his part of the responsibility, the second is seen as servile and apathetic to Hitler’s wishes and the last (who surrendered without being allowed to do so) has a fair grasp of the dire situation, but is not allowed to break out out early on (which might have saved the army).

[Mike Amelang · Rating 5 out of 5]

THe first book in this series is spectacular. Unfortunately, the atheistic agenda of the author becomes more and more blatant as the books go on until finally by the end he's smashing you over the head with it.