Armageddon: The Battle for Germany, 1944-1945 | 
 enlarge | Author: Max Hastings
Publisher: Vintage
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  85 reviews
Sales Rank: 23203
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 672
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.2 x 1.4
ISBN: 0375714227
Dewey Decimal Number: 940.5421
EAN: 9780375714221
ASIN: 0375714227
Publication Date: October 18, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand new item. Over 3.5 million customers served. Order now. Selling online since 1995. Order with confidence. Code: B20080905212623T
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Product Description
In September 1944, the Allies believed that Hitler’s army was beaten and expected the bloodshed to end by Christmas. Yet a series of mistakes and setbacks, including the Battle of the Bulge, drastically altered this timetable and led to eight more months of brutal fighting.
With Armageddon, the eminent military historian Max Hastings gives us memorable accounts of the great battles and captures their human impact on soldiers and civilians. He tells the story of both the Eastern and Western Fronts, raising provocative questions and offering vivid portraits of the great leaders. This rousing and revelatory chronicle brings to life the crucial final months of the twentieth century’s greatest global conflict.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 80 more reviews...
 Good Overview and Story for Late WW2 August 31, 2008
Mr. Hastings presents an excellent overview of the late war period and actually discusses the eastern front which is not covered by most books. However, the coverage of the eastern front is not nearly as detailed, especially from a military point of view as that in the west.
So long after the war, you would hope for coverage of the eastern front as detailed as that in Overlord, or at least that of the west in the same book.
Grognards will mostly not be impressed, as a few technical mistakes are made.
I held back on the 5th star because I was expecting something more like an Overlord for the eastern front.
 An objective account of the last year of WWII. August 4, 2008
In Armageddon, the author avoids the usual nationalistic hype that underlies accounts of World War II. Russia, the U. S., Britain, and Germany are described with painful objectivity in this history. Though the author is British, Montgomery's desparate attempts to play the hero are described in detail. What is truly valuable about this book is the many accounts of civilian experiences during this terrible time. This book is a must for any serious reader.
always good reading July 21, 2008
I like the war books written by Max Hastings. I have found them to be very well-written, and remarkably readable. His output is impressive, and his books are well worth the purchase price.
He seems, to me at least, to be the master of telling stories that make all of us realize how terrible war really is.
I have had to put his books down several times, after reading accounts that make me gasp. I have not fought in any wars, and after reading Hastings' books, I am more than glad I have not.
I am not sure I agree with his opinions of various generals and leaders. He is, at least, an equal opportunity critic, and he spares no-one. I do think many generals were better than he gives them credit for being, but he is certainly entitled to his well -written opinions.
I would recommend any book by Max Hastings. Agree always, or not, he is very readable, and very good.
He captures the sheer horror of war far more effectively than nearly every current military historian.
For that reason alone, he is remarkable.
Very Enlightening...Abu Ghraib was nothing folks July 10, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Wow... I guess, I had heard some of this info in countless documentaries, but with all of the press about the west, I didn't realize how much carnage and turmoil was going on in the Eastern front. For instance that more Russians died conquering East Prussia than the total amount of Americans lost in all of the European theater (France, etc). Also, I suppose its beneficial that we as a people have lost our taste for this type of carnage. I mean all the killing of civillians on both fronts not to mention the horrors in the Eastern front. Well, at least they didn't force those civillians to get into a pile naked instead of kill them...Imagine that uproar. Abu Graib pails compared to the daily horrors (the women nailed to barn doors,etc) that happened in that last year alone. A very informative and interesting read to say the least, can't wait to read the Japanese book.
The Final Battle for Europe 1944/1945 June 22, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I find Mr. Hastings analysis of the last eight months of the battle for Europe refreshingly different. In all my readings from Winston Churchill's Second World War to the numerous biographies of the famous participants of this conflict, there has always been a romantic and heroic writing of epic proportions. In real life this is not true.
However Mr. Hastings, an Englishman offers a very critical analysis of the English Army during this period. While it is true that English influence at this time of the struggle was both ineffective and at times bumbling, it really shows a picture which in the whole view of the conflict is unfair. It's almost like quoting out of context. If it were not for Mr. Churchill's England the war certainly would have been lost.
While it is true that the Soviet Union's contribution to the War effort was indeed large and most beneficial, this conflict would have never been resolved by them alone. In the end it truly was the United States effort which won this struggle. Without the Lend Lease Act, the American Army, Navy and Air Corps, Germany would have prevailed.
Mr. Hastings has compiled many observations by men and women on the ground during this critical time. I am also a Veteran and can recount many memories as a Junior Officer in the Vietnam Conflict. My memories are clear but they are mine. I can ask any other Vietnam Veteran if they share all my memories. I don't think so! The personal observations as written by Mr. Hastings were done very well. But remember these are mere asides in his recollection of these times. Remember the Russian soldier had no choice but to move forward. An American or Brit gave intelligent thought before they did. A true professional Teutonic, as Mr. Hastings said was truly the best soldier.
Max Hastings has put forth his theories of the culmunation of World War II in Europe. I agree with his assessment that the Western Allies were cautious. I wouldn't criticize them for this.
In general the Russians were vulgar and possessed no military elan. They were just brutal. War in itself is a crime. Russia indeed was criminal as were the Germans. The English speaking Countries turned out to be the decisive factor. In the end this is a fact.
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