Hello New to the forum, I am huge WW2 history buff, want to know what is the better book on d-day and battle of Normandy, Carlo D'este, Decision in Normandy or Max Hasting's Overlord, I believe both books r valuable in their information. Just curious what the consensus is on the better book of the 2. Thanks
This is just my opinion, but I think both are excellent. They cover the same ground, but not in the same way, as D'Este's book is much more of a critique of Mongomery's generalship. My advice would be to read them both, but read Hastings and some of the other excellent accounts of the campaign as a whole before D'Este
Hastings is more accessible, with better maps. It is better on comparative shortcomings of the British and American forces (equipment/minor tactics) wrt the German Army. D'Este goes into more depth on Monty's command e.g. his conflicts with the air chiefs, his personality clashes with US commanders etc. D'Este also critiques writers who preceded him who had an excessively pro-Monty stance e.g. Belchem's "Victory In Normandy" I found they complmented each other very well.
Thanks for ur prompt replies, I have read, Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan and Ambrose's version of D-day June 6th. Based on ur feedback I will go with D'este book. I have read 2 of his books, Bitter Victory and Fatal Decision, both excellent accounts of the mediterranean conflict. I will end up purchasing Max Hastings book at some point in near future. Sheep
Originally posted by blacksheep@Jul 4 2004, 08:40 PM Thanks for ur prompt replies, I have read, Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan and Ambrose's version of D-day June 6th. Based on ur feedback I will go with D'este book. I have read 2 of his books, Bitter Victory and Fatal Decision, both excellent accounts of the mediterranean conflict. I will end up purchasing Max Hastings book at some point in near future. Sheep Ryan and Ambrose concentrate just on D-day. The books by Hastings and D'Este deal with the whole Normandy campaign, right up to the battle of the Falaise pocket and the advance to the Seine.
there is also Chester Wilmots book. Also, Monty's book which is a distillation of his official despatch and concentrates on the 21st army operations. :ph34r: :ph34r:
Originally posted by morse1001@Jul 5 2004, 02:07 PM there is also Chester Wilmots book. Also, Monty's book which is a distillation of his official despatch and concentrates on the 21st army operations. :ph34r: :ph34r: There is an article on a new book about both 15th Scottish and 50th Northumbrian Divisions in NW Europe in the July issue of "Military Illustrated". Can post full details if anyone is interested.
Originally posted by morse1001@Jul 5 2004, 07:07 PM there is also Chester Wilmots book. Also, Monty's book which is a distillation of his official despatch and concentrates on the 21st army operations. :ph34r: :ph34r: Hey Morse1001 I have also purchased Wilmot's book, "The Struggle for Europe", only cost me $5.00. Such a good deal couldn't turn it down and is also a hard cover. This book is a good resource re: the Normandy campaign and will compliment the other books in my collection. Anyway take care and thanks for the feedback. Sheep
I would also recommend having a look at Terry Copp's Fields of Fire which is about the Canadians in Normandy. As I see you are in Canada, you shouldn't have any problem in getting it if I can find one in London! Professor Copp debunks quite a few myths about Normandy, and as usual presents it all very well. Highly recommended.
I have seen that book online, but purchased another by author Mark Zuehlke, "Juno Beach, Canada's D-Day Victory". Terry Copp's book has received alot of good reviews and appears to be a solid contribution.
Read them both. But also read Russell Weigley's "Eisenhower's Lieutenants," which makes up for D'Este's critiques of British generals with blistering critiques of American generals. D'Este makes that point in his book, that Weigley is necessary to see how American generals could screw up, too.
