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Dunkirk: The Complete Story of the First Step in the Defeat of Hitler
"So long as the English language survives, the word Dunkirk will be spoken with reverence." The New York Times At dawn on May 10, 1940, the armies of Nazi Germany attacked Western Europe.
In less than three weeks, Hitler achieved the most extraordinary military triumph of modern Holland, Luxembourg, and Belgium had been overrun; the French army was about to collapse; and the entire British Expeditionary Force, which had been sent across the Channel to help stop the Germans, was trapped against the sea at Dunkirk.
Unless they could be rescued, Britain would be left without an army.
Dunkirk is the first book to present an overview of those awful days and show the effect the battle on the beaches was having on the rest of the world.
It is also the day-by-day story of a great escape, of the transformation of a massive defeat into what would ultimately prove a disaster for Germany.
“Norman Gelb demonstrates in Dunkirk how productive it is to focus on an individual operation or battle … Dunkirk is both a good adventure read and an instructive case study yielding modern lessons.” — JOHN LEHMAN, Former Secretary of the Navy, The Wall Street Journal
“Norman Gelb finds fresh angles … Dunkirk stands as an exemplar of the perils of vacillation and the possibilities of action.” — The New York Times Book Review
“Mr. Gelb has excavated beneath surface events, delved into political and psychological factors, and produced an intelligent, fast-moving narrative.” —PROFESSOR ARNOLD AGES, Baltimore Sun
“Vivid and comprehensive … Absorbing … Sets a high standard for other reconstructions” — Kirkus Reviews
NORMAN GELB was born in New York and is the author of seven highly acclaimed books, including 'The Berlin Wall', ' A Narrative History of the Battle of Britain', and 'Less Than Glory'. He was, for many years, correspondent for the Mutual Broadcasting System, first in Berlin and then in London. He is currently the London correspondent for New Leader magazine.
In less than three weeks, Hitler achieved the most extraordinary military triumph of modern Holland, Luxembourg, and Belgium had been overrun; the French army was about to collapse; and the entire British Expeditionary Force, which had been sent across the Channel to help stop the Germans, was trapped against the sea at Dunkirk.
Unless they could be rescued, Britain would be left without an army.
Dunkirk is the first book to present an overview of those awful days and show the effect the battle on the beaches was having on the rest of the world.
It is also the day-by-day story of a great escape, of the transformation of a massive defeat into what would ultimately prove a disaster for Germany.
“Norman Gelb demonstrates in Dunkirk how productive it is to focus on an individual operation or battle … Dunkirk is both a good adventure read and an instructive case study yielding modern lessons.” — JOHN LEHMAN, Former Secretary of the Navy, The Wall Street Journal
“Norman Gelb finds fresh angles … Dunkirk stands as an exemplar of the perils of vacillation and the possibilities of action.” — The New York Times Book Review
“Mr. Gelb has excavated beneath surface events, delved into political and psychological factors, and produced an intelligent, fast-moving narrative.” —PROFESSOR ARNOLD AGES, Baltimore Sun
“Vivid and comprehensive … Absorbing … Sets a high standard for other reconstructions” — Kirkus Reviews
NORMAN GELB was born in New York and is the author of seven highly acclaimed books, including 'The Berlin Wall', ' A Narrative History of the Battle of Britain', and 'Less Than Glory'. He was, for many years, correspondent for the Mutual Broadcasting System, first in Berlin and then in London. He is currently the London correspondent for New Leader magazine.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 14, 2017
Great account of the events that lead up to the evacuation of Dunkirk, the evacuation itself and the aftermath after Dunkirk.
December 4, 2017
Usually my husband is the one reading history books but I chose this one for our dinner table reading. [I knew a bit about Dunkirk but had no idea the evacuation went on for ten days!]
I know that 'readable' is a ridiculous description, since, after all, I did read it. This was, however, quite readable. (okay, we didn't do well trying to figure out how to pronounce some of the French names...)
This gave me a good idea of how fast Hitler's blitz went, how the early Allies were making decisions, and what measures they went to for saving their military men.
NB: This was different than the recent movie (I won't say 'better' because the emphasis was on different parts of the evacuation)... you'd need to read something else that was slanted toward the heroics of the small craft owners who risked their lives to 'bring the boys home'.
I know that 'readable' is a ridiculous description, since, after all, I did read it. This was, however, quite readable. (okay, we didn't do well trying to figure out how to pronounce some of the French names...)
This gave me a good idea of how fast Hitler's blitz went, how the early Allies were making decisions, and what measures they went to for saving their military men.
NB: This was different than the recent movie (I won't say 'better' because the emphasis was on different parts of the evacuation)... you'd need to read something else that was slanted toward the heroics of the small craft owners who risked their lives to 'bring the boys home'.
March 27, 2022
Excellent account of Dunkirk and preceding - without maps
The explanation do the Battle of France was new to me, the political activities in London and Paris were excellent, as was the evacuation from both the British and German side. It is impossible to follow and understand military or naval history, and specifically battles, without maps for relative positions and distances.
The explanation do the Battle of France was new to me, the political activities in London and Paris were excellent, as was the evacuation from both the British and German side. It is impossible to follow and understand military or naval history, and specifically battles, without maps for relative positions and distances.
February 1, 2025
Review of Dunkirk: The Complete Story of the First Step in the Defeat of Hitler by Norman Gelb
Norman Gelb’s Dunkirk is a powerful and thorough examination of one of the most pivotal moments in World War II—the Dunkirk evacuation. In the face of overwhelming German forces, the retreat of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from northern France became a remarkable story of survival and heroism, a story that helped shift the tide of the war in favor of the Allies. This work delves deep into the multifaceted nature of the Dunkirk evacuation and the profound impact it had on the war’s trajectory.
Key Themes and Events:
• The Battle for Survival: The book details the extraordinary German military success in rapidly overrunning France and trapping the BEF at Dunkirk. Gelb expertly outlines the terror and confusion of the moment, the logistical struggles, and the heroic efforts of both military and civilian personnel who participated in the evacuation.
• The Role of the British Public and Civilian Efforts: Gelb goes beyond the battlefield, bringing attention to the efforts of the British public, particularly the small vessels that were crucial in evacuating soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk. This aspect of the story adds a layer of humanity and resilience to the narrative, showing how the British civilian response contributed to the overall success of the operation.
• Strategic Shifts and Military Leadership: A significant part of the narrative focuses on the strategic importance of Dunkirk. The evacuation saved over 300,000 men, ensuring that Britain would not be left defenseless. Gelb discusses the military leadership decisions made during the operation, as well as the shifting dynamics of Allied and German strategies in the early stages of the war.
• Political and Psychological Dimensions: Gelb goes deeper into the political and psychological aspects of Dunkirk, exploring the tension between British leadership, the pressures of public opinion, and the broader international effects of the evacuation. Dunkirk represented a turning point, as it demonstrated Britain’s resilience and determination to continue the fight against Nazi Germany.
Churchill’s Leadership:
The book also underscores the pivotal role of Winston Churchill in maintaining British resolve. Churchill’s ability to rally the British people and his decisive leadership in the face of adversity are highlighted throughout Gelb’s account. The book emphasizes how Dunkirk, while a military defeat, ultimately became a symbol of national pride and endurance.
Notable Quotes:
• “So long as the English language survives, the word Dunkirk will be spoken with reverence.” – The New York Times
• “Norman Gelb demonstrates in Dunkirk how productive it is to focus on an individual operation or battle…” – The New York Times Book Review
Final Verdict:
Dunkirk: The Complete Story of the First Step in the Defeat of Hitler is a gripping and expertly researched account of a critical moment in World War II. Norman Gelb brings to life the complex military, political, and social dimensions of Dunkirk, and his narrative provides readers with a deeper understanding of the significance of the evacuation. This book is a must-read for those interested in the Second World War, military history, and the extraordinary human resilience that defined this moment in history.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Norman Gelb’s Dunkirk is a powerful and thorough examination of one of the most pivotal moments in World War II—the Dunkirk evacuation. In the face of overwhelming German forces, the retreat of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from northern France became a remarkable story of survival and heroism, a story that helped shift the tide of the war in favor of the Allies. This work delves deep into the multifaceted nature of the Dunkirk evacuation and the profound impact it had on the war’s trajectory.
Key Themes and Events:
• The Battle for Survival: The book details the extraordinary German military success in rapidly overrunning France and trapping the BEF at Dunkirk. Gelb expertly outlines the terror and confusion of the moment, the logistical struggles, and the heroic efforts of both military and civilian personnel who participated in the evacuation.
• The Role of the British Public and Civilian Efforts: Gelb goes beyond the battlefield, bringing attention to the efforts of the British public, particularly the small vessels that were crucial in evacuating soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk. This aspect of the story adds a layer of humanity and resilience to the narrative, showing how the British civilian response contributed to the overall success of the operation.
• Strategic Shifts and Military Leadership: A significant part of the narrative focuses on the strategic importance of Dunkirk. The evacuation saved over 300,000 men, ensuring that Britain would not be left defenseless. Gelb discusses the military leadership decisions made during the operation, as well as the shifting dynamics of Allied and German strategies in the early stages of the war.
• Political and Psychological Dimensions: Gelb goes deeper into the political and psychological aspects of Dunkirk, exploring the tension between British leadership, the pressures of public opinion, and the broader international effects of the evacuation. Dunkirk represented a turning point, as it demonstrated Britain’s resilience and determination to continue the fight against Nazi Germany.
Churchill’s Leadership:
The book also underscores the pivotal role of Winston Churchill in maintaining British resolve. Churchill’s ability to rally the British people and his decisive leadership in the face of adversity are highlighted throughout Gelb’s account. The book emphasizes how Dunkirk, while a military defeat, ultimately became a symbol of national pride and endurance.
Notable Quotes:
• “So long as the English language survives, the word Dunkirk will be spoken with reverence.” – The New York Times
• “Norman Gelb demonstrates in Dunkirk how productive it is to focus on an individual operation or battle…” – The New York Times Book Review
Final Verdict:
Dunkirk: The Complete Story of the First Step in the Defeat of Hitler is a gripping and expertly researched account of a critical moment in World War II. Norman Gelb brings to life the complex military, political, and social dimensions of Dunkirk, and his narrative provides readers with a deeper understanding of the significance of the evacuation. This book is a must-read for those interested in the Second World War, military history, and the extraordinary human resilience that defined this moment in history.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
April 29, 2018
In my mind, this book is worthy of 5 stars. Why have I given it only 4 stars? simply because there is not a single mention (in the entire book) of any other troops that needed evacuation from Dunkirk, besides the British, the French & the Belgian troops? It is a well-known fact that there were Soldiers of other Nationalities that were also fighting alongside the Allies & were very much involved in this theater of action.
When they were needed, they answered the call from thousands of miles away & contributed mightily in aiding the Allies in winning WW II. It is equally very sad that they are relegated to a status of 'not a single mention' in the otherwise well written & interesting book. Can History / Historians forget or ignore their contribution, the answer is an emphatic "No," though it is a sad testimony to those who ignore the hard facts with nary a mention.
In my mind by ignoring their presence as though they were never there, in this sad episode of the history of WW II is doing these brave soldiers of other (read Asian) Nationalities who fought alongside the British troops & sacrificed their lives for a war (that was not of their making) for the Allied cause is doing them a grave & serious injustice.
Captain Dady J. Mody
When they were needed, they answered the call from thousands of miles away & contributed mightily in aiding the Allies in winning WW II. It is equally very sad that they are relegated to a status of 'not a single mention' in the otherwise well written & interesting book. Can History / Historians forget or ignore their contribution, the answer is an emphatic "No," though it is a sad testimony to those who ignore the hard facts with nary a mention.
In my mind by ignoring their presence as though they were never there, in this sad episode of the history of WW II is doing these brave soldiers of other (read Asian) Nationalities who fought alongside the British troops & sacrificed their lives for a war (that was not of their making) for the Allied cause is doing them a grave & serious injustice.
Captain Dady J. Mody
June 19, 2018
Excellent account of the battle and extraction from Dunkirk
An excellent account of Dunkirk, with a good description of the German invasion of France, coming through Belgium and the Ardennes Forest.
I especially liked the accounts of the political and military leaders of all 3 countries as the battle for France developed, leading to the evacuation of the BEF from Dunkirk.
I also liked the method of breaking down the evacuation to the events of each day, though most of what happened each day was a little repetitive .
Some important military lessons emerge from Dunkirk: don’t stop your attack until your enemy is totally defeated; don’t assume your enemy will only do what you think they will; and always look at the bigger, overall objective when something doesn’t go your way.
An excellent account of Dunkirk, with a good description of the German invasion of France, coming through Belgium and the Ardennes Forest.
I especially liked the accounts of the political and military leaders of all 3 countries as the battle for France developed, leading to the evacuation of the BEF from Dunkirk.
I also liked the method of breaking down the evacuation to the events of each day, though most of what happened each day was a little repetitive .
Some important military lessons emerge from Dunkirk: don’t stop your attack until your enemy is totally defeated; don’t assume your enemy will only do what you think they will; and always look at the bigger, overall objective when something doesn’t go your way.
August 14, 2017
Definitely better than the recent movie, which was an utter disappointment. So, that is a pretty low bar for comparison. The first half describes how the British got into such a predicament in the first place. (Basically, French ineptitude regarding an appropriate response to Hitler's blitzkrieg and poor communication all over the battlefield.)
The second half then describes the actual evacuation of Dunkirk. This part gets better and better as the days go by.
The whole story could have been better told with more emotion but that is not what this book was about. It is matter of fact and seems to tell the whole story, which I appreciate, especially after watching such a superficial movie
The second half then describes the actual evacuation of Dunkirk. This part gets better and better as the days go by.
The whole story could have been better told with more emotion but that is not what this book was about. It is matter of fact and seems to tell the whole story, which I appreciate, especially after watching such a superficial movie
September 25, 2017
Essential reading for those interested in what was going on diplomatically and militarily at the onset of WWII. Engagingly written, it makes clear the importance of the Dunkirk evacuation and paints clear pictures of the different personalities involved. Recommended for reading before seeing the movie- it will give you a better sense of the larger picture of the event.
October 9, 2017
A well-written book. The first half lays out how the BEF found itself with its back against the sea, while the second half describes the evacuation of the British, French and Belgian troops. It brings home just how poorly prepared the Allies were, and conveys something of the muddles and failures of command that prevailed.
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December 24, 2017For those who I have heard have been deeply disappointed with the new movie DUNKIRK I can recommend instead the true version of Norman Gelb book, with historical facts and much cheaper to purchase.
I felt it to be a good book.
I felt it to be a good book.
July 26, 2017
War Story
This account of the evacuation of Dunkirk is unusual in that the casualties were detailed as we'll as the number of the rescues.
This account of the evacuation of Dunkirk is unusual in that the casualties were detailed as we'll as the number of the rescues.
July 29, 2017
I wanted to get a little knowledge before I go to see the new movie on Dunkirk, and this book was just the ticket. Anxious to see the movie now!
August 22, 2017
Very good book. The movie sparked my interest. I think given the topic the book could have been better.
August 27, 2017
This book is more about the events leading up to the Dunkirk evacuation itself, but I found it a good reminder of the history.
September 15, 2017
Fascinating book
I saw the movie first, the book filled in all the gaps. Dunkirk was one area of WW2 history where my knowledge was lacking.
I saw the movie first, the book filled in all the gaps. Dunkirk was one area of WW2 history where my knowledge was lacking.
July 19, 2021
This is a well written book about one of the most dramatic events of the Second World War. This book brings you right into the action, taking each day as it came.
January 5, 2018
Very good and it was very informative
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews